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AFT National Convention Wrap Up

The 2016 AFT National Convention in Minneapolis, MN was one for the ages. Not only was it the 100th anniversary of the union, but there were a number of high profile elected officials and social justice activists that addressed the convention. The members even took to the streets themselves to put the rhetoric into action. The AFT-Maryland delegation was not only well represented but they also had a strong impact on the presentations and displays during the convention.

The convention kicked off with President Randi Weingarten’s state of the union address. Included in her remarks were a number

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Port Covington TIF Concerns

AFT-Maryland, in conjunction with partners from a large cross section of Baltimore (including labor, community activist and the religious community), told the Baltimore City Council it wouldn’t support the Sagamore development at Port Covington TIF unless some key demands were met. The City Council held a hearing on the Port Covington TIF on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the Baltimore War Memorial building.

The collective called on the City Council to ensure that as property values increase, there would not be an adverse effect on city services and particularly education funding. There is a

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Voter Registration at Youthworks Fair

AFT-Maryland was present and accounted for at the DPW Youthworks Resource Fair on Wednesday July 27, 2016 at the War Memorial Building, registering Baltimoreans to vote. Staff, members, and retirees in attendance worked to get young and old alike registered and involved in the electoral process. Some even saw a kinship in the younger registrants and took them to the side to explain both the historical and social significance of voting.

Many first-time voters will have the opportunity to place a true thumbprint on life for Baltimore this November as the city will hold general elections for Mayor

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Port Covington Development hearing

AFT-Maryland is partnering with a number of labor, community, and religious organizations who are voicing concerns over proposed Port Covington project in Southwest Baltimore. We need to ensure the development benefits everyone in the city, not just a wealthy few. In particular, AFT-Maryland is asking that the development project not negatively impact funding for public schools and city services.

We join our labor, faith-based, and community partners in calling for more affordable housing  as well as sustainable, locally-sourced jobs as a requirement for the project. Please attend a City

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AFT Convention, Day Two

The second day of the AFT National Convention in Minneapolis, MN was one that focused on human and civil rights. Important national figures such as Rashard Robinson from Color of Change and Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin both addressed the convention. They spoke about the need for justice and calming of violence from police against citizens as well as retaliatory attacks on police.  They were well received and members were eager to hear from them; particularly Fulton, given the resilient strength she’s shown in the very public murder of her son.
 
The action on human and civil rights
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AFT Convention, Day One

Day One of the AFT biannual National Convention got off to a rousing start. Delegates and visitors from all across the nation convened on Minneapolis, MN, for the 100th anniversary of the organization (#AFT100). Members kicked off the morning with a breakfast hosted by the Baltimore Teachers Union. AFT-Maryland President Marietta English addressed the breakfast and laid out what the members from Maryland could expect moving forward during the convention.

The convention proper kicked off in a rousing fashion with President Randi Weingarten’s state of the union address. Included in her remarks

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