United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the city have reached a tentative agreement that provides raises of 7.1 percent, a one-time cash bonus and no givebacks. This contract, which has yet to be ratified, is expected to set the pattern for other unions in the municipal bargaining coalition.

The 24-month agreement, which covers the period from Oct. 13, 2007, to Oct. 31, 2009, includes an across-the-board raise of 2 percent in the first year of the contract and 5 percent in the next six months of the contract, a $750 one-time lump-sum cash payment and an increase in a welfare fund contribution from the city.

Local 237 President Carl Haynes, who is one of five co-chairs on the Municipal Bargaining Coalition, said, “The members of the coalition, myself included, agree that this contract sets a pattern we can all live with.”

Haynes added: “Since the city refused to negotiate with the coalition as a unit, and time is of the essence, we chose to allow the UFT and the sanitation workers union to lead the fight for a fair deal for all of the unions in the coalition. Local 237 members can expect much of the same.”

The UFT agreement also enhances a variety of other benefits specific to the teachers, including new 5-year longevity for pedagogues, paraprofessionals and other titles.

The union said: “When a window of opportunity opened to reach a fair contract, we grabbed it. Settling a year in advance of our current contract’s expiration date means on-time raises and will give members certainty and stability to plan their lives around. It also frees us to focus on other issues, like class size, safety, and teacher respect.”

The Municipal Bargaining Coalition, which was formed last June, unites 17 unions representing about 175,000 city and Department of Education employees, including Teamsters Local 237, sanitation workers, college professors and fire alarm dispatchers.