News

Together, we’ve turned out for bigger and bigger actions to defend our labor movement and our democracy, from Hands Off last April, to the first No Kings in June, to Labor Day 2025, to No Kings II last October.

As the snow *finally!* thaws, it’s time to take to the streets again on March 28th for No Kings III. Will you join us?

In the months since the last No Kings event, we’ve seen the ongoing dismantling of the US Dept. of Education, ICE occupation of Minnesota—including raids on schools and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos on his way home from school—and a renewed effort to pass the SAVE Act, which would impose aggressive voter ID laws that would disenfranchise millions of Americans.

But we’re fighting back. For our community. For our students. For each other. And we hope you’ll join us on March 28th for No Kings III.

Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books, controlling curriculum, and censoring history.

AFT President Randi Weingarten’s new book Why Fascists Fear Teachers tells the story of what teachers do and why those who are afraid of freedom and opportunity try to stop them. It explains why all Americans should care about attacks on schools and teachers—whether they have school-aged children or not. In the past as today, the fate of the United States is inexorably intertwined with the fate of public education.

Please join us for an important and timely conversation with Randi Weingarten. Learn what’s at stake, how these attacks hurt our kids and our country, and how we can fight back.

New year, new season—and that means it’s time for the AFT Massachusetts statewide Winter Town Hall! 🎊

From our classrooms to the State House to the halls of Congress, there is A LOT going on in 2026, and we’re only two weeks into the year. So join fellow AFT MA members from locals across the state as we dive deep on the school funding crisis, give updates on healthcare changes, discuss updates on statewide graduation requirements and AFT MA’s strategic plan, and provide space for locals to connect directly with each other. Plus, we’ll be joined by Senator Ed Markey for key federal updates impacting our union and communities!

Register today to join us on Wednesday, January 28th at 7pm!

After nine bargaining sessions and time in mediation with the district, the North Attleboro Federation of Teachers secured a new contract for the 350+ members it represents in the North Attleboro public schools. The three-year contract includes big wins on wages, stipends, sick leave, and longevity that add up to the best contract in a generation of NAFT teachers.

“For me, the most important thing I have seen throughout this process has been a dramatic increase in member engagement. I have the utmost respect and admiration for our members who spoke at both our rally and to the school committee. Their stories helped to personalize what can be a very impersonal process,” said NAFT President Bob Collins. “The newfound energy and unity have inspired me and so many others to continue working to ensure that all of our members have the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling career as educators in North Attleboro.”  

Since June, the Berklee Faculty Union, AFT Local 4412 has diligently negotiated a new, three-year contract with better pay and expanded opportunities for its members.

“In essence, this contract is giving faculty the fair pay and support they need so they can focus on providing their students with the educational opportunities and mentoring they deserve,” said Berklee Faculty Union President William Silvio.

In addition, the BFU’s new contract includes the largest-ever conversion of part-time positions to full-time, with 13 positions converting annually, resulting in 39 full-time positions over the course of the contract.

“Our members made it clear they wanted this agreement to balance their own well-being with that of our students and community. It’s no surprise that students from around the world come here to study with such a remarkable group,” said Berklee Faculty Union Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Shryock. 

“We are proud of our work to secure this new contract, which takes into account the high needs of our students and ensures our educators receive the pay, benefits, and respect that not only reflects the caliber of their work, but is comparable to those offered in sending districts,” said NECEF President Babz Carrapichano. “Consistency and reliability are huge factors in any child’s ability to learn, but especially so for the high-needs students we serve. This contract will reduce turnover and make sure that when there are openings, we can attract the highly-skilled educators our students need.”

"Prior to the new contract, our department was struggling to maintain staffing, as we were not even close to matching what was being offered for positions that are in high demand, but with a national shortage of qualified people," said Mollie Maxwell, a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, who also served as a member of the bargaining committee. "The contract we secured has made a clear impact, as we are now able to work on expanding our staff to serve the needs of the many students with visual impairments across our own programs, as well as our member communities. This will make all the difference for the districts we serve and their educational teams, and allow students to access the services they so desperately need and deserve!"

Needless to say, it’s a busy time, and there’s a lot going on. Many AFT Massachusetts locals are in active bargaining, working to build the skills and power they need to win big for members as cities and towns grapple with the consequences of losing millions in federal dollars for public education. Federal policy changes are causing real harm for our students, our members, and institutions—both public and private.

We’ve got a plan—but it’s going to take all of us acting in solidarity.

That’s why we need you to join us for our virtual Fall Town Hall on Thursday, October 16th at 5:15pm! We’ll cover the work being done here and nationwide and launch some exciting events and resources we’ve built to help you and your local fight for a better future.

Over the summer, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts was on hand as Governor Maura Healey announced a new, multi-faceted approach to support the state’s innovation economy and the work being done at institutions of higher education across the Commonwealth.

The Discovery, Research, Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative proposes significant state investment as a way to leverage private and institutional resources to retain world-class talent, preserve jobs and protect the engines of Massachusetts’ innovation economy. 

"Our state colleges and universities have a transformational impact, from providing opportunities for economic mobility through a world-class education to serving as regional economic engines providing good jobs to over 50,000 people across the state to leading crucial research and development responsible for improving lives on a global scale,” said President Tang. “The actions from the White House have put all of that in jeopardy. Jobs are being lost. A college degree is moving even more out of reach for thousands of students. The research and free-flowing exchange of ideas and knowledge being stifled will have irreparable consequences for generations to come. We applaud Governor Healey for taking some proactive steps to support our public and private institutions of higher education and minimize some of the damage we can expect here in Massachusetts.”