Statement on the Violence in Washington DC
AFT Washington's statement on the January 7th violent attempt to prevent the US Government from certifying the electoral vote.
Finally—it’s President-elect Biden
Patience—counseled by former Vice President Joe Biden all election week as Americans waited for votes to be counted—finally paid off Nov. 7, four days after Election Day, when Biden won in Pennsylvania and gained enough Electoral College votes to acquire a new title: president-elect. AFT President Randi Weingarten says the union’s leaders and members “can’t wait to get started” on the work ahead “with an administration that will embrace and fight for the values we hold dear.”
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.
Your Union Endorses These Education- and Labor-Friendly Candidates
Election ballots will arrive in your mail on or around October 19th. Check out the candidates who have been vetted through our member-involved Committee On Political Education (COPE) and endorsed by our executive board for the upcoming General Election. Your union sent out questionnaires on issues that matter to our members and their responses and voting records in the case of incumbents earned our endorsement. However you decide to vote, please be sure to fill out and mail your ballot or drop it in MY VOTE!
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.”