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Lawrence Teachers 1000 360

PreK-12 Teachers

More than 1 million members strong, the AFT's Public Education unit has become a major force for preserving and strengthening a national commitment to reclaiming the promise of American education. It all began more than 100 years ago: A group of Chicago teachers, reasoning that theirs was a noble profession, organized themselves to share resources and build respect for the invaluable work they were doing. Those early efforts led to the birth of a national teachers union in 1916 that has been in the vanguard of every major advancement in American public education ever since.

Fac Fed 1000 360

Higher Education

The AFT represents higher education faculty (including both full- and part-time), professional staff and graduate employees, in all sectors of higher education—public and private, two-year and four-year institutions of higher education. The AFT Higher Education division's mission is to help our affiliates and their members prosper in the face of political, economic and technological forces challenging the most basic assumptions about the union's role on campus.

MLSA 1000 360

Public Employees

As a union of professionals, AFT Public Employees division is committed to improving the quality of government services we provide to our communities. Reclaiming the promise of high-quality public services is about fighting for first-rate public services that our support communities and keep them safe, healthy and vibrant. It’s about fighting to ensure that our communities’ tax dollars are properly invested back into the community, and that those resources are used responsibly and safely. Finally, it’s fighting to make sure public employees are well-prepared and supported so they can provide our communities with the high-quality services the public needs and deserves.

NB PSRPs

Paraprofessionals & School-Related Personnel

The AFT has organized paraprofessionals and school-related personnel since the early 1930s, when the first PSRP affiliate, the Education Secretaries of Chicago, was founded. Today, the AFT PSRP division sets a foundation for high-quality education by supporting meaningful professional development, promoting health and safety in the workplace, and demonstrating the importance of a strong and just work ethic in a bully-free environment. Most important is its commitment to safe and welcoming schools and colleges for students who deserve high-quality food programs; reliable school buses; clean, secure buildings; efficiently run offices; and well-trained staff.

PSRP activists swap advice on campaigning

AFT President Randi Weingarten shared thoughts on campaigning with up-and-coming PSRP leaders.

The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

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AFT unveils bold new blueprint to protect higher ed ahead of 2026 midterms

From left: Zeph Capo, president of the Texas AFT; Todd Wolfson, the president of the American Association of University Professors; Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT; and Dr. Leonard Bright, a professor at Texas A&M University, unveiled a new policy platform ahead of the 2026 midterms to counter the federal government's attack on higher education. Credit: AAUP

As the Trump administration continues to attack higher education—cutting research grants, targeting free speech and restricting classroom materials—the AFT and the American Association of University Professors have unveiled a powerful new blueprint to restore and preserve higher education, just in time for the 2026 midterms.


 

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2026 Convention Recap

Convention Square Photo Collage

The 2026 AFT Massachusetts Convention marked a year of strength in the face of unprecedented challenges. A diverse union, the AFT MA is always ready to RISE UP in solidarity and meet the moment. And that’s what this year’s convention was all about and what our theme was for this year.  

Even in the face of difficult times, from the affordability crisis to attacks on public education to widespread campaigns against the labor movement, the AFT Massachusetts still stands strong.

“In the labor movement, we must remember that every successful campaign is greater than one person—our power is in our solidarity and collective action,” President Tang told delegates. “We must not lose sight of the important role we play to support and safeguard one another as we work toward a common goal. And while the goal is important, we must always be willing to examine the way we get there, how it unites us, how it builds our power, and what risks we are willing to take to own our power. It is through our fights together that we create the world we would like to live and work in.”

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International Workers Day 2026

May Day 2026

Friday, May 1 is International Workers Day—aka May Day!

Unionists across the world are taking action, showing that WORKERS have the power, not billionaires.  AFT Massachusetts has been central part of planning actions and putting together a day of exciting events throughout greater Boston.

We believe Solidarity is a Verb! That means solidarity with each other, our community, and our siblings in the labor movement and beyond. We encourage every member to participate in May Day this year. RSVP here: tinyurl.com/aftmayday2026 to join us at 4:30pm at the Boston Common Parkman Bandstand!

Find more actions around MA earlier in the day at linktr.ee/bostonmayday2026

AFT MASSACHUSETTS: “WE’RE WITH ED”

AFT Massachusetts proudly endorses Ed Markey, with photo of Ed

“When working families need an advocate, Senator Markey is there. When paras need respect and a living wage, Senator Markey is there. When parents are worried about the services their children rely on in the classroom, Senator Markey is there. Ed Markey shows up for working families, public education, and our communities—he doesn’t even need to be asked. He’s already there, ready to take on the tough fights, ready to meet the moment. Ed Markey always has our backs, and we will continue to have his,” said AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang.

“I am honored to earn the endorsement of AFT Massachusetts—the backbone, the believers, the builders of our Commonwealth’s future. AFT MA educators support our students, stand with our families, and fortify the communities that sustain our democracy. I carry your voices into every fight in the United States Senate as we push back against the dangerous rise of MAGA extremism aimed at gutting public education. AFT MA educators are the backbone of our public schools, and I’ve fought to ensure teachers, librarians, and paraprofessionals earn a dignified starting salary—because one job should always be enough,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey. 

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