AFT Massachusetts Convention

This year’s annual AFT Massachusetts convention felt like a celebration putting the long, painful COVID-19 pandemic behind us. We didn’t meet virtually, or have to wear masks. Instead, we kicked off the convention weekend with our awards dinner at a new location, the incredible Edward M Kennedy Institute at Columbia Point in Dorchester.

Saturday’s main event was again held at the IBEW 103 hall in Dorchester, with over 150 registered delegates in attendance. This year’s theme was “Moving Forward Together,” as we have several important campaigns ahead of us: fully implementing the Student Opportunity Act; ending the failed state takeover/receivership system; fully funding all of our public schools; winning living wages for paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; delivering affordable, high-quality public higher ed for all; and providing fair and affordable public retiree benefits.

The past year has brought important changes to the educational landscape in Massachusetts, from the passage of the Fair Share Amendment to the election of a new Governor who is a strong supporter of public education. In this new era, AFT Massachusetts is working to deliver the schools and libraries our communities deserve, the services and staffing our students need, and the workplace protections AFT Massachusetts members rely on.

On April 29, convention delegates from across the state will celebrate our victories, discuss the battles we face, and be inspired to act. We’ll welcome new members of our union, celebrate new caucuses, hear about important initiatives, and further develop our collective strength as educators and organizers

Every year AFT Massachusetts awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to eligible high school seniors who are dependents of AFT Massachusetts members. The awards, named in honor of former AFT leaders Kathy Kelley, Albert Shanker and Sandra Feldman, and for long-time AFT Massachusetts field representative Jay Porter, are awarded on the basis of a labor history exam administered by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. 
 
“Now more than ever, it’s important for young people to understand the role of labor unions in our country’s history,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “AFT Massachusetts is proud to offer these college scholarships to students who are part of our union family.”

As we ever-so-slowly emerge from the crisis phase of the pandemic and into a changed world, the AFT delegates reaffirmed their continued commitment  to delivering the schools, healthcare, and libraries our communities deserve, the services and staffing our students need, and the workplace protections AFT members rely on. “I am inspired by the dedication and perseverance of our members,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos upon her reelection by acclamation, “You have spent the past two-plus years working through difficult, ever-changing conditions, and never stopped doing your best to serve students and communities. I am honored to represent you and I look forward to our work together over the coming year.”

Kontos highlighted the creation of the new AFT organizing department and the success it has had working across the state to win better contracts and living wage campaigns, allying with community partners on ballot questions and anti-receivership campaigns, running trainings to support local union activists, and doing whatever is needed to activate our membership.