(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is reminding New Yorkers just how “sweet” Union Membership is, announcing the launch of the second annual Our Voice, Our Values, Our Brackets challenge taking place during March Madness.

The “Sweet Sixteen” event - which coincides with the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, offers people an opportunity to vote for their favorite benefits offered by strong Unions and tell their own stories about how their Union improves their lives.

“Even after the Janus decision, ‘wealthy Union Busters have had their bubble burst by the strength’ of the Labor Movement,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. “NYSUT Members have said ‘no’ to the ‘Anti-Union madness and are sticking with their Union.’  We will ‘continue providing them the slam-dunk benefits that strengthen our entire Labor Team across New York.’”

Visitors to http://www.nysut.org/marchmadness will be able to fill out their own Union Benefit Bracket, selecting their favorite benefits from a list that includes fighting income inequality, access to Paid Family and Medical Leave, a strong voice in the halls of power and a secure retirement.

Voting in the elimination format challenge began on Monday, March 18th and continues through the conclusion of the basketball tournaments in early April. 

Everyone is a winner with Union Support and participants in the bracket challenge are no exception.

Those who fill out a complete bracket will earn an Our Voice, Our Values, Our Union car magnet.

NYSUT - a Statewide Union with more than 600,000 Members in education, human services and health care, is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA) and the AFL-CIO.