The american federation of teachers

The american federation of teachers


Interest Groups: The American Federation of Teachers
From the progressive era, to the New Deal, to the 21st century, the American Federation of Teachers has seldom stood for solely the teacher’s rights and the educational policy. Women’s issues, human rights, and overall worker’s rights have resonated deeply in the AFT’s history as a major American union. And like most unions, the AFT has extraordinary capability in lobbying, organizing, and even swaying local, state, and national elections. Though, despite the union’s many dealings with political and social issues, it’s goals and annually-released “resolutions” focus on the economic facet of education, public schools, health and safety, and federal education policy. Several specific 2014 resolutions for the AFT (that often carryover year to year) include universal early childcare and education, more high-quality public services, retirement security, and a more accessible, affordable system of public higher education. The American Federation of Teachers, spearheaded by Randi Weingarten, and the second largest teachers union in the U.S., under the NEA, is a force to be reckoned with in not only educational policy, but in the fight for social justice, and a more perfect democratic system in the United States.
Representing over 1.5 million members, the AFT is made up of teachers, school-related personnel, higher-ed faculties, government employees, nurses, healthcare professionals, and retirees. Union-affiliated employees, unlike their counterparts, enjoy significant benefits like higher salaries, extended health care and sick pay, and probably most importantly, a community of like-minded professionals representing employees on every level, and defending them through collective bargaining. Found exclusively on the AFT’s website, members also enjoy many other perks like the invitation to grandiose conventions, retail discounts, health discount, legal support, insurance, and scholarships for the family....

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