According to the union?s rules, this is the first of several steps that must precede a strike. The union?s 100,000 active members will next have the opportunity to vote on strike authorization. Eighteen months have passed since the union?s last contract expired and one month has passed since a state fact-finding panel made recommendations for new contract provisions.
See "Union for New York City Teachers Takes First Step Toward a Strike", Abby Goodnough, The New York Times, May 7, 2002