by AFT Political Action VP Jim Miller What is there to celebrate this coming Labor Day for the average American? We live in troubled times and many of us in the United States are increasingly anxious or angry as we see the American Dream slipping away right before...
Come Celebrate Labor in the Community this Labor Day Weekend!
Dear Colleagues, As Labor Day approaches in a year where unions face unprecedented challenges, we all should remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who observed back in 1961: “The labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged...
Who are today’s union members? You are!
As we head towards Labor Day, it’s important to remember: YOU are your union!
2017-19 CFT Standing Committees Nominations
Dear AFT Guild Members, The standing committees of our statewide affiliate the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) play a critical role in the development and implementation of CFT policy. Committee members are chosen from all segments of the CFT from pre-school...
This Week in Labor History – August 28
August 28 The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom—the Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have A Dream" speech march—is held in Washington, D.C., with 250,000 participating. The AFL-CIO did not endorse the march, but several affiliated unions did – 1963 (Martin Luther...
Unions are essential to a fair economy and a vibrant democracy
In a timely new report leading up to Labor Day, the Economic Policy Institute details how unions play an essential role in today’s labor market—by raising working people’s wages and supporting a fair and prosperous economy as well as a vibrant democracy—and how...
Sunday Rally Against Hate
Dear Colleagues, As the LA Times reported today, there has been a surge in hate crimes during the first half of 2017. “It appears that bigots have become emboldened in the state, not only to commit more violence, but to publicly promote white nationalism,”...
OSHA Labor Studies Class for Our Members
Dear Colleagues, Below is the description of a 3-Saturday course on OSHA regulations in September taught by the UCLA Labor Center. You get a certificate and it's also good information to have in your workplace. AFT members will receive reimbursement of...
This Week in Labor History-August 21
This Week in Labor History August 21 Slave revolt led by Nat Turner begins in Southampton County, Va. - 1831 August 22 Five flight attendants form the Air Line Stewardesses Association, the first labor union representing flight attendants. They were reacting to an...
This Week in Labor History August 14
This Week in Labor History August 14 President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act, providing, for the first time ever, guaranteed income for retirees and creating a system of unemployment benefits - 1935 Members of the upstart Polish union Solidarity seize the...