As we head into April, we look forward to seeing more signs of spring and a well deserved break for our preK through 12 educators. We also continue to closely monitor the impacts of decisions coming from the federal government, including both the order to dismantle the Department of Education as well as the recent Executive Order that is unilaterally ending collective bargaining agreements and rights for thousands of federal workers. We continue to be very concerned about the impacts these decisions continue to have on every day working people, including AFT MA members and their families. 

Unions across the country are feeling the anxiety caused by the chaos and uncertainty of the times, and that includes here in Massachusetts. Services, jobs, and the fate of collective bargaining and union rights are all at risk.

As a union that has always stood up for our members, students and communities, we cannot remain quiet. That’s why early last week—along with a pair of school districts and other unions—we filed a lawsuit in Federal Court to stop the Administration from dismantling the US Department of Education and the critical services it provides to students, teachers, parents, and communities across the country. 

As we have shared, the cuts and dismantling of services that will cause the most harm to working families and our most vulnerable—including those with disabilities, refugees, seniors, veterans, etc. The gutting of half of the staff of the Department of Education is already having an impact on our students and schools. We are very concerned that cuts will be used to justify promised tax breaks for billionaires and will come at the expense of those who have the least to help those who already have more than they need. 

We know there’s a lot going on right now. Families across the state are concerned about what this all means for their children, their schools, and the educators their kids trust. It’s a complex issue to begin with and the repeated lies from the White House about the goals of their efforts are compounding the confusion. 

If you, too, are concerned, we hope that you will join us on two upcoming days of action. The first is this Saturday, April 5th, where there will be a march beginning at 11:15 in Boston Common and speaking program beginning at 12:30 at City Hall. On April 8th there will be another national day of action to raise awareness of what dismantling US ED means for our communities and what’s at stake from current attacks on higher ed in particular, but also public education overall, and other critical programs.

We need our full membership and our communities to be informed about what’s going on and how it will hurt our students—and ready to fight back! That’s why we have created a “10 Minute Meeting” presentation to help get everyone caught up on many of the latest developments.   Sign up to get a slide deck and all the training and resources you’ll need to host a 10 minute meeting at your school as part of this national day of action. 

There’s a lot breaking news these days, and a lot affecting our members and our work. Stay informed about what’s going on by following AFT Massachusetts on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube.

Another solution to many of the municipal challenges is to find new revenue sources that don’t hurt every day working people or small businesses.  That’s why we are in support of Corporate Fair Share!

Raise Up Massachusetts is a grassroots coalition committed to building an economy that works for everyone. As a longtime member, the AFT Massachusetts is proud to have played a role in the group’s important campaigns in recent years including Earned Sick Time, Paid Family Medical Leave, raising the minimum wage, and the Fair Share Amendment. . The Coalition recently  launched a campaign to help generate new sources of revenue to support working families across Massachusetts. Right now, multi-billion dollar corporations are allowed to hide their profits in off-shore tax havens to avoid paying taxes in Massachusetts.  

The Corporate Fair Share bill, An Act combatting tax avoidance, S.2033 and H.3110, would increase the share of those offshored profits that Massachusetts collects tax on  -- bringing our policy in line with federal tax policy and what our neighbors in Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire already do. Please take a moment to contact your legislators: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/gilti-click-to-email

Tell your legislators to support corporations paying their fair share! 

• Somerville, Easthampton School Districts Join AFT Lawsuit Against DOE Cuts - WBZ Radio

• [Amesbury] School Committee approves budget - The Daily News of Newburyport [paywall]

• Boston Teachers Union calls off rally outside Mayor Wu speech after tentative contract deal - MassLive

• Educators and families unite to ‘Protect Our Kids’ - Lynn Daily Item

• Paraprofessionals in western Mass to wear red for ‘Protect Our Kids’ national campaign - Western Mass News

• Teaching in a ‘Sanctuary City’ Under Siege - Current Affairs

Locals across the state are now bargaining in full force. From Pittsfield to Peabody and from Billerica to Norfolk Aggie, our locals are using a combination of political action, open bargaining, and a “silent representative” model to secure contracts with the wages, benefits, and support our educators and support staff need and deserve.

After an arduous negotiation period, our flagship local, the Boston Teachers Union, reached a tentative agreement on Tuesday, March 18th with the School Department. Highlights of the tentative agreement include: historic wages for paraprofessionals, from 23 to 31% increases; between 9 and 11.5% increases for teachers over the three year contract; Career Awards all increased for both units;  this agreement will provide a Parent Advocacy voice for students on individual educational plans; ends the practice of additional licensure to help aid staff retention. In addition, students on IEP’s, (Individualized Education Plans) will be able to receive new support and more classroom help as licensed special education teachers will be used in classrooms with high concentrations of special needs students.  A ratification vote is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9 at the BTU. Congratulations to all of those involved for your hard work on behalf of all members of the BTU and the students you serve.

Tuesday, April 1st: Protect Free Speech, Stand with Rümeysa Rally

Join labor and community allies in speaking out against the administration’s attacks on freedom of speech and detainment of SEIU 509 member and graduate student worker, Rümeysa Öztürk. This rally is co-hosted by SEIU 509, UAW Region 9A, MIT Graduate Student Union, and UE Union Eastern Region. Gather in solidarity with fellow labor allies on Tuesday, April 1st at 6:00pm at the JFK Federal Building, 15 Sudbury St, Boston, MA 02203.

Wednesday, April 2nd: Clap Out for Boston Federal Workers

Support federal workers recently fired from the Department of Education! Following the devastating mass layoffs at the Department of Education (US ED), thousands of US ED workers will leave their offices for the last time this week. Allied labor groups, including the Federal Unionists Network and AFT, are participating in “clap outs” across the country to show our thanks for and solidarity with these workers. Join us at 5 Post Office Square in Boston from 10-11am on April 2nd to let laid off Department of Education workers know we’ve got their backs and we’re grateful for their work.

Deadlines for the 2025 AFT Massachusetts State Convention!

We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Convention (May 2-3). We’re only 5 weeks out so please make sure and review our upcoming deadlines to make sure your local, delegates, and alternates are ready and able to join:

• RSVP to Friday Night Awards Dinner (Friday, May 2nd, at the EMK Institute) by Thursday 4/3.

• Proposed Resolutions must be signed by the local President and sent to AFT Massachusetts postmarked or emailed no later than Thursday 4/3

• Per Capita Payments through February 2024 must be postmarked by Thursday, 4/3 to have representation at the convention.

• List of Delegates and Alternates must be sent to AFT Massachusetts with a check for $25 per delegate/alternate (check made out to AFT Massachusetts) by the CVent system (preferred), by email, registered/certified mail by Thursday 4/3

• Local’s Financial Audit by an independent CPA, a copy of a financial review by an independent CPA or a letter certifying that a review has been conducted by an Internal Review Committee consistent with AFT Guidelines must be sent to AFT Massachusetts office by Thursday, 4/3.

• Hotel Reservations through the 2025 AFT Massachusetts Convention Hotel Block (Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel; 606 Congress Street, Boston) for those looking to stay in town must be made by Friday 4/4.

Saturday, April 5th: Hands Off Massachusetts! Boston Rally & March

On Saturday, April 5th, a coalition of Massachusetts organizations, including AFT Massachusetts, will take to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off! The current administration is attacking not only public education, but our very democracy. Join fellow AFT Massachusetts members and allies from across the state to stand in solidarity and show that we will always defend our students, our schools, and our democracy. RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 8th: Protect Our Kids Teach-ins!

This is a National Day of Action for Higher Ed, and we will stand in solidarity with our higher ed members by getting our full membership up to speed on what’s at stake from current attacks on public education, higher ed, and more! We need our full membership and communities to be informed about what’s going on and how it will hurt our students—and ready to fight back! Sign up to get a slide deck and all the training and resources you’ll need to host a 10 minute meeting at your school as part of this national day of action. 

Tuesday, April 8th: Kill the Cuts Rally

As part of the National Day of Action for Higher Ed, AFT Massachusetts is participating in a Kill the Cuts rally at the JFK Federal Building. Join AFT Massachusetts and allied labor groups rallying outside the JFK Federal Building to protect lifesaving research, healthcare, and education. RSVP here.

April 2025: Student Debt Clinics

Register for one of our student debt clinics! Do you have questions about your student debt? The AFT is hosting virtual student debt clinics April 7, 17 and 30, 2025 to help our members navigate their debt. Learn more about Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, how the latest news is affecting these programs, and how you can save with the online resource Summer. Register here: AFT Student Debt Clinics

Thursday, May 1st: May Day Action

Following April 8th, our next statewide day of action will be walk-ins at schools across Massachusetts on Thursday, May 1st, to mark May Day. Stay tuned for updates from your Field Rep about organizing your building’s walk-in! 

There will also be a May Day rally & march starting in Boston Common on the afternoon of May 1st, as well as May Day events in Chelsea and Western Mass.  More information to come! 

Sunday, May 4th: Step Up for Colleen 5K

Join the AFT for Colleen team today and participate in the 2025 Step Up for Colleen 5k! The friends and family of Colleen Ritzer created this 5K Walk/Run to celebrate Colleen’s life and her commitment to helping and inspiring others. The net proceeds go to the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, Inc. which benefits charitable activities honoring Colleen’s legacy including the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship for Andover and Danvers high school seniors who demonstrate a passion for teaching, academic excellence, and love of family and plan to pursue a degree in education. Register here.

Friday, May 9th - Sunday, May 11th: Educating for Peace, A Teachers' Conference for Nuclear Disarmament Education

The Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue, will be hosting a conference for middle and high school teachers about how to explore effective ways to teach students about the threats and historical legacies of nuclear weapons and instill in them a deep sense of shared responsibility and commitment to safeguarding the future of humanity’s existence. More information available on the Ikeda Center's website.

Tuesday, May 13th: Retirement Planning Workshops

AFT Massachusetts is hosting a series of retirement planning workshops, and all public sector members are welcome! The financial professionals of Teacher Retirement Solutions (TRS) specialize in providing independent financial guidance, strategies and solutions to educators, school employees, librarians, and their families throughout New England. Join Secretary-Treasurer Brant Duncan and TRS’ John Gregorio, a Certified Financial Planner, 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. RSVP for our May 13th session at the Lawrence Teachers Union

Wednesday, June 25th: AFT Massachusetts Lobby Day!

Join fellow AFT Massachusetts members from across the Commonwealth for our 2025 legislative lobby day! We’ll chat with legislators and their staff to share our experience and expertise as educators, because there is nothing more powerful than your story. Legislators need to hear from our members about exactly how legislation before them this session could transform our lives and our schools. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. RSVP today!

Exclusive savings from AT&T! Members can learn how to save up to $10 per line per month on the AT&T Unlimited Premium plan, plus receive up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.

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