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Just a quick note to say thank you. At our union’s biennial convention in Houston last month—a convening of the highest governing body of our union—we were humbled by your faith in us in re-electing Fed, Evelyn and me to another term. We promise to work as hard as we can for you, your families and our communities.
The convention, which included thousands of delegates elected by you from across the country, focused on real solutions for our members and those we serve. Despite everything that’s been thrown at us, from anti-union laws to hostile courts, the AFT continues to grow, and we are now 1.8 million-members strong, the largest we’ve ever been. Our successes are a reminder that, when we keep marching, keep organizing and keep fighting, together we can achieve a brighter future.
Over the next two years we will have steep hills to climb. We’re taking on MOHELA, the student loan servicer that has made our members’ lives miserable. We’re fighting for guardrails in the use of artificial intelligence and a voice in AI policy. We’re pushing for a PSRP Bill of Rights, safe staffing for healthcare workers, and funding for higher education. We’re working to stop radical voucher bills that defund K-12 education. And we’re doing all this while working to defend our democracy; protect our freedoms; fight for appropriate pay, benefits and working conditions; and save Medicare and Social Security.
We tackled these issues at our convention through resolutions, reports and working groups, because as a union we’re committed to working together for real solutions for a better life—including electing allies to public office. That’s why the convention delegates voted to endorse Kamala Harris for president of the United States. And not only did she speak at our convention, but she selected one of our members—Tim Walz, a teacher and governor of Minnesota—as her running mate. That’s why tonight we’re having a special membership town hall with former AFT and Education Minnesota member Gwen Walz—wife of Gov. Tim Walz—to discuss this election. RSVP here.
We know it’s tough and costs are still too high, so we are doing all this with only a modest dues increase: no increase this year and 25 cents per month next year.
We did more at our convention than can fit in one email, but I wanted to make sure you saw some of these highlights below.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Americans, particularly America’s young people. I’m honored to be the president of this union. Let’s keep marching together!
In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President