New York City, New York — Mayor Zohran Mamdani is suing the City Council to block a law providing $10,000 in additional compensation to roughly 25,000 school paraprofessionals, arguing that lawmakers improperly bypassed the city’s collective-bargaining process.
The Council unanimously approved the measure, which became law Wednesday after Mamdani declined to sign or veto it. The first $2,500 payment is scheduled for January 2027, with additional installments eventually bringing the benefit to $10,000 per worker.
Mamdani’s administration estimates the program would cost about $324 million and argues that wages and compensation for unionized city employees should be negotiated between the administration and labor unions rather than established directly by legislation. The mayor’s office also warns the law could encourage other municipal unions to seek compensation through the Council instead of bargaining.
The United Federation of Teachers and Council supporters argue the payments are necessary because paraprofessionals are underpaid and increasingly difficult to recruit and retain. The aides work directly with students, including children with disabilities and other specialized needs.
The dispute creates an unusual confrontation between Mamdani, a democratic socialist with strong labor ties, and one of the city’s most influential unions.
The lawsuit will determine whether the Council has authority to mandate the payments or whether compensation must remain within collective bargaining.
Sources
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