Newark Teachers Union
American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
The Newark Teachers Union has a long and noteworthy history in the Labor Union timeline. The Newark Teachers Union dates back to 1919 when the AFL-CIO was in its infancy. In its first metamorphosis, the NTU was one of the first 100 Unions formed, designated as Local 86 .The original application charter was dated May 27, 1919 and the AFT sent a letter granting the charter May 31, 1919. The teachers union was formed due to the lack of salary for teachers, which was typical back then. Membership during the first year reached a high of 50 members. O.W. Flavell was the Treasurer and Edna Furman was the Secretary. Shortly after its inception on October 26, 1920, the NTU had disaffiliated with the AFT. Subsequent history is sketchy and it appears that the Newark Teachers Union, Local 86 was confronted with increasing competition from other organizations and unions to represent teachers in the area.