Here at the AFT Massachusetts, we’ve officially transitioned from school year mode to summer mode. While many have a different definition of summer mode—and we certainly do believe summer is an important time, particularly for educators in our union, to rest and refuel—at the AFT Massachusetts “summer mode” is also “activist mode! Activism can also help us to get re-energized, especially when we have more time and schedule flexibility to focus on our work advocating for our students, schools, and members while increasing engagement, collaboration, and solidarity across the labor movement. Summer mode at AFT MA kicked-off with a Summer Town Hall to brief members on local bargaining wins, discuss key priorities at the state and federal level (legislative and electoral), and outline upcoming actions and resources for engagement this summer. June closed out with our First Statewide Lobby Day on Beacon Hill – bringing together over 150 members, representing over 15 locals for an important day connecting with elected leaders and advocating for key priorities. You can read more about the day here. Thank you to all who made our first annual lobby day such a great success! Now, it’s time to MOVE! That’s why we’re launching a new series – Mobilize, Organize, Vote, and Empower (MOVE) Workshops, beginning on July 7, to help our locals and our communities build the knowledge and skills needed to fight for and protect our members, the rights of working families, and the needs of those we serve. Our MOVE Workshops will feature AFT leaders and national staff on how to strengthen our democracy and build power during these uncertain times. Experienced organizers will help us digest current threats and what they mean to our daily lives and provide training on ways to activate as we fight to safeguard our rights, benefits, funding, schools and communities! More information on our MOVE Workshops can be found below! There will be plenty of ways for you to get involved this summer - so, please stay tuned. If you don’t already, make sure to follow us on social media (handles are at the bottom of this email), where you can always stay up-to-date on upcoming actions and ways to plug in. |
Yesterday, the US Senate voted to pass the President’s big, ugly budget bill that cuts Medicaid, food for kids, student loans and more – all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. It also takes a direct attack against public education, establishing a new tax credit that is nothing more than a voucher scheme like the one we saw Betsy DeVos try to jam through years ago. While we don’t know exactly how things will end up, we know that it is not good for millions of working families across the country and will greatly add to the nation’s debt – all to make billionaires even richer. It’s on to the House and we we urge you to reach out to friends and family in other states – asking them to contact their Representative in Congress to vote against this disastrous bill. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Legislature has sent their $61 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the Governor for her signature. It’s important to note that $800 million of this is, essentially, a reserve fund - because the uncertainty out of Washington threatens to disrupt the lives of so many residents and vital programs our Commonwealth relies on. Unfortunately, the White House knows that just by sowing chaos and uncertainty, they’re able to cause serious destruction in the lives of millions. |
Take Action: Upcoming Events: |
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July 7, 8, and 12: MOVE Workshops Mobilize, Organize, Vote, and Engage This summer, join AFT Massachusetts for a special workshop series to build the knowledge and skills we will all need to move with peaceful collective action, combat abuses of power, defend our democracy, and fight for our communities. Join us for a MOVE workshop this July and let’s dig in together! The following MOVE workshops will be held at Boston Teachers Union from 10am-2pm (choose one): July 7th - AFT members, leaders, & staff July 8th - AFT members, leaders, & staff July 12th - AFT affiliates, community partners, & allies
When we move with collective power, we can move mountains. For our locals, for our union, for our democracy. Lunch will be provided each day. Childcare may also be available by request. Please register for planning purposes! Join us this July for a MOVE workshop, because we’re stronger together! |
AFT Massachusetts In The News
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June has brought a flurry of tentative agreements and ratifications for our locals – all averaging a three to four percent increase a year over the course of a three-year contract agreement. For example, the new contract for the Lynn Teachers Union has expansive parental leave, tuition reimbursement, stronger bereavement language, and sick leave buyback at retirement. Other contracts of note that saw significant wage gains and language improvements were the Chelmsford Federation of Teachers, Nashoba Valley Tech, Shore Collaborative, New Bedford Federation of Paraprofessionals, the Medway Federation of Teachers, the Fall River Federation of Paraprofessionals and more.
AFT Massachusetts staff are on the ground assisting locals still in negotiations, including the Lawrence Teachers Union, the Peabody Federation of Teachers, the North Attleboro Federation of Teachers, and the Greenfield Virtual Staff Union. They remain committed to meeting throughout the summer months to reach an agreement – and we remain committed to be right there with them.
We also saw great news out of Lynnfield – where residents overwhelmingly came out to support an override needed to ensure the Lynnfield Public Library is able to continue to provide the services and resources residents have come to enjoy and rely upon. Without the override, the Library would have been forced to eliminate staff, cut hours, and greatly reduce available services. It would have also put the LPL at risk of losing its accreditation. Congratulations to the members of the Lynnfield Library Staff Association and the MLSA Local 4928 for their work on this campaign and their great success. |
Tuesday, July 15: AFT Massachusetts Retirement Planning Workshop!
All public sector members are welcome! AFT Massachusetts has partnered with the financial professionals at Teacher Retirement Solutions (TRS), who specialize in providing independent financial guidance, strategies, and solutions to educators, school employees, librarians, and their families throughout New England. The Massachusetts public employee retirement formula, Social Security, and living in retirement will be among the topics discussed. RSVP today! Wednesday, August 13 & Thursday, August 14: AFT & BTU Summer Organizing Institute | Meeting the Moment, Building the Movement
This annual event serves as our union’s deep organizing space to build the skills we need to win for our members, students, and families – in the classroom and beyond. From bargaining strong contracts, building strong school-site union structures and taking our movement to the streets in this critical time— we must be ready. Whether you are a brand new building rep or or a seasoned union leader looking to bargaining your strongest contract ever, these two days are for you: August 13-14th (9-2:30 pm) at the Boston Teachers Union. Check out our draft agenda and RSVP today! |
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
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