History of the FUSE

On November 29,1978, an overwhelming majority of the members of the United Teachers of New Rochelle (UTNR) and the Association of Civil Service Employees (ACSE) voted to form one new union: The New Rochelle Federation of United School Employees.

At that time, an interim union structure was created. Tom Mullen, president of the UTNR, and Antonio Cesario, president of the ACSE, became "co-presidents" of the new union. Both men had been long time union advocates.

The impetus for the formation of the FUSE stemmed from the actions of previous Boards of Education that, more often than not, tended to pit the interests of one group against the other, particularly during contract negotiations. There had also been employee strikes in several Westchester and Long Island communities, and both leaders hoped - from a position of strength in unity - to avoid confrontation or crisis with the Board during upcoming negotiations.

At the time of the merger, Cesario said "We have the same employer; the same need for respect and dignity in our work; the same goal of fair wages, decent working conditions, just treatment, job security and a secure retirement." Expanding on the theme of common interests, Mullen added, "We have a vital self interest in the maintenance of quality public education for all in a quality educational environment. It is this mesh of interests which we share with students and the community that provides the motive for FUSE."

During the period of the union's interim structure, negotiations for the first FUSE contract began. They ended successfully when members ratified the new contract in June of 1979.

It was also during this period, in May of 1979, that the members of the new, united union elected Tom Mullen their first president and Antonio Cesario, their first Executive Vice President.

The organizational structure of the FUSE was patterned after that of the state affiliate, New York State United Teachers, and allowing for two different chapters: Pedagogic (teachers) and School Related Personnel (SRPs or Civil Service).

The mission of the union, even after 23 years, remains much the same as it was in 1978 when it was so accurately expressed by Mullen and Cesario.

It is good for us to know and appreciate our union's history. By knowing and appreciating the struggles that preceded us, we gain the motivation and determination to continue to fight to achieve the goals that were the basis of our formation.

New challenges lie ahead for the educational community, both in New York State and the nation. Our affiliation with 450,000 members of NYSUT and the 1 million members of the American Federation of Teachers makes us strong and provides a forum to build a strong future for education and for our union.

We owe it to ourselves, to those who came before us and to those who will follow us to maintain an active and vital interest in our union.