A Message from President Beth Kontos
President Kontos and Senator Warren at a Malden rally in support of the Fair Share CampaignAs we react to Supreme Court decisions and other disturbing news from Washington, it can be easy to feel cynical about the potential for change. But here in Massachusetts, our organizing is working – we’re winning real victories for working people.
AFT locals in Lawrence and Lynn won great new contracts thanks to their increased member engagement and well-planned contract actions. The City of Boston and Boston Public Schools reached an agreement with DESE that avoids a disruptive, counterproductive state intervention, after a strong campaign from the BTU and parent/community allies to highlight the flaws of receivership and state intervention. AFT MA locals in North Attleboro, Essex Tech, and Boston all held successful actions as they work to win strong contracts as well.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations (DLR) found the Chelmsford School Committee guilty last week on 12 counts of violating labor law in the case involving then Chelmsford Federation of Teachers President Jennifer Salmon.
The school administration clearly trampled on the rights of the union president, who was simply trying to schedule a meeting with the school principal to discuss safety issues. The school department’s retaliation against the democratically-elected union president for her protected union activity was nothing short of egregious.
These victories come from the power we have when we organize together at work and in our local communities. In late August, our Member Organizer Institute, which trains union members to work as part-time member organizers on issues important to the local school community, will be back in session. It’s been a terrific success in helping to focus our local organizing and member engagement efforts, and we’re thrilled to be launching another year of the program.
Read on to learn more about the victories we’ve won together this month, and the ongoing organizing that will make other victories possible.
Chelmsford Federation of Teachers, AFT Massachusetts Wins A Victory for Labor
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations (DLR) found the Chelmsford School Committee guilty last week on 12 counts of violating labor law in the case involving then Chelmsford Federation of Teachers President Jennifer Salmon.
The DLR found that Ms. Salmon was both disciplined and placed on administrative leave in retaliation for her protected union activity in advocating for safety concerns of teachers.
“The school administration clearly trampled on the rights of the union president, who was simply trying to schedule a meeting with the school principal to discuss safety issues,” said Beth Kontos, president of the AFT Massachusetts. “The school department’s retaliation against the democratically-elected union president for her protected union activity was nothing short of egregious.” Read More.
UMass Dartmouth, Lynn Local Leaders Join AFT Massachusetts Board
Kim Wilson third from the left (left picture) and Colleen LiPorto (right picture)
AFT Massachusetts is excited to welcome two great new members to our statewide Executive Board! This month, Kim Wilson of the UMass Dartmouth Faculty Federation and Colleen LiPorto of the Lynn Teachers Union joined the board, which represents the 23,000 AFT members statewide.
“I’m excited to welcome these two passionate and experienced local union leaders to the AFT Massachusetts Executive Board as we work to help our students recover from the effects of the pandemic, tackle the growing workforce crisis in our public education system, and organize to win more resources for public education from preK through college,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “Their experience, both in the classroom and as active union members, is critically important as we work to engage all of our members and organize together to protect public education.” Read More.
A Fairer Massachusetts
This November, Massachusetts voters will have the chance to vote on the Fair Share Amendment on the statewide general election ballot. This critically important ballot question would allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share.
The ballot question would create a 4 percent tax on annual income above $1 million and dedicate the funds raised to transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will pay this additional income tax; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Read more to learn about the campaign and ways to get involved!
Managing Student Debt with AFT's "Summer" and Student Debt Programs
The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program—with the changes that the AFT has secured through advocacy and litigation—is perhaps the single best opportunity to deliver money in our members’ pockets. So far, $7.3 billion has been forgiven for more than 127,000 public service workers. But there is limited time to act to secure these benefits. Specifically, the expanded opportunity to receive credit for past payments ends Oct. 31, 2022. That means AFT members must submit paperwork by this date—it’s not too late!
The temporary expansion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness means more people are getting relief, including many who were previously denied for having the “wrong type” of loan or repayment plan. You must apply before October 31, 2022 to take advantage of this temporary PSLF expansion. Don’t wait! Sign up with Summer at and apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness today! Need more information? Members are welcome to participate in our July 12th AFT student debt clinic!. Read more.
Retirement Planning
The financial professionals of Teacher Retirement Solutions (TRS) have partnered with AFT Massachusetts and specialize in providing independent financial guidance, strategies and solutions to educators, school employees, librarians and their families throughout New England. Join TRS’ John Gregorio, a Certified Financial Planner, on August 10, 2022 via Zoom for a comprehensive workshop for prospective retirees. The Massachusetts' public employee retirement formula, Social Security and living in retirement will be among the topics discussed. An automated email with the details of the Zoom meeting will be sent to members that complete the form to the right.
What: Retirement Planning Workshop for AFT Members
Who: Members of AFT Massachusetts
Where: Online via Zoom
When: August 10, 2022 from 6 to 8 pm