Mamdani Sues to Block NYC Teaching Aide Bonus Over Bargaining Rules

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani filed a lawsuit to block the City Council-approved one-time $10,000 bonus for teaching aides, arguing the plan violates the Taylor Law and undercuts collective bargaining. The UFT says the bill is legal and supports low-paid paraprofessionals; the council’s measure, called the Respect Check Act, would cost about $325 million. The law became effective after the mayor did not veto it, prompting a legal challenge from his administration as labor and city lawmakers clash over how compensation should be set.