But the America that Sal knew was changing right before his eyes. Socialism began to show its face, and he found himself at a crossroads. Teachers’ Unions were on the rise, and Al Shankar, President of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) convinced the teachers of New York City that they deserved a raise and should strike. At the time the mayor passed an executive action barring all city employees from striking. But for 11 days, Sal and his fellow teachers took to the streets in protest, and on the 12th day, the strike was settled. Teachers ended up with a mere $1 raise, with the good news that they weren’t going to be sued for striking. Two years later, Sal found out that Al Shankar had made a deal with the City of New York. By forcing teachers to strike, they could postpone their salaries for 12 days which would help the city avoid bankruptcy. You see, it had nothing to do with teacher’s rights at all, and this was Sal’s first great awakening. Against the wishes of his father and peers, Sal abruptly ended his teaching career, leaving behind a city pension and a past that would eventually become the foundation for his future.