AFT Washington Convention Is Coming
Information about the 84th AFT Washington Convention
Your vote is your voice
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s latest column outlines the urgency of using our voices—our votes—in this life-changing election, when we will make a choice “between President Donald Trump, who has trafficked in chaos, fear, lies and division, and former Vice President Joe Biden, who seeks to reverse Trump’s failures on COVID-19 and the economy, and to unite and uplift the American people.” Besides the four crises we face—a pandemic, an economic crisis, racism and a climate emergency—democracy itself is on the ballot, as Trump continues to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election.
‘Back to school’ like never before
In her September New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten says that going back to school has never looked like it does now. Weingarten explains that because of President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus, which has been chaotic, contradictory and inept, and the lack of federal guidance and funding, we’re seeing a patchwork of school reopening plans across the country.
Paraeducators Look for Recognition, Livable Wages as School Returns
August 31, 2018
Washington News Service | Eric Tegethoff, Producer
Tacoma, WA - A low-paid group of educators known as paraeducators (or "paras") say it's time they received livable wages. Paras assist teachers in the classroom, often working with students with disabilities and in the special education department. Comments from Barbara Randall-Saleh ("suh-LEE"), president, Tacoma Federation of Paraeducators. [more]
AFT Washington on Recent School Strikes
American Federation of Teachers Washington on Recent School Strikes
Tukwila -- AFT Washington stands in solidarity with the K-12 public school strikes and our sisters and brothers from the Washington Education Association in their efforts to get a fair contract.
Karen Strickland, president of AFT Washington, said “This is about respect and building the middle class. For decades teachers and school-support employees, whether in K-12 or higher education, have been undervalued and underpaid for their work. Educators should earn enough to have economic security and take care of their families.”
2018 WSLC Resolution 19: Renewing the Call for Full Support of the Labor Community and Technical College System
Delegates at the Washington State Labor Council Convention passed a resolution renewing the call for full support of the community and technical college system. Washington State has established a goal of 70% of residents achieving a post-high school credential or degree which will, by necessity, require additional investment in the higher education system and the employees who support students. The two-year colleges have been underfunded for decades, and it is time to step up and invest in the employees who teach, who keep the college safe and clean, and who provide student services.
Join Your Union
When we stand together, we have power in numbers. That power allows for us to bargain a good contract that includes decent pay, health care, retirement security, and better working conditions. It gives us a seat at the table with our employer to negotiate for things that improve our job and allow us to better serve our communities. Interested in joining? Contact your local to become a member!
Not sure who to talk to at your local? Contact Cortney Marabetta at cmarabetta@aftwa.org for help.