News

Weingarten launches new campaign: ‘Real Solutions for Kids and Communities’

Photo of AFT President Randi Weingarten addressing TEACH 2023

The AFT has always been a solutions-driven union, and our new campaign, launched during TEACH on July 21, proves it once again with a fresh, practical approach to strengthening public education. As AFT President Randi Weingarten pointed out during her keynote speech, the $5 million, yearlong campaign, “Real Solutions for Kids and Communities,” stands up against attacks on public schools and offers real-world solutions to build up, rather than break down, our communities.

Randi Weingarten at a Massachusetts high school

Summer is upon us, and parents, children and teachers are winding down from what has been an exhausting and fully operational school year—the first since the devastating pandemic. The long-lasting impact of COVID-19 has affected our students’ and families’ well-being and ignited the politics surrounding public schools. All signs point to the coming school year unfolding with the same sound and fury, and if extremist culture warriors have their way, being even more divisive and stressful.

The Faces of Unionism

The Janus vs. AFMSCE Supreme Court decision is expected to be decided this June. EdMN President Specht suggests we show our solidarity by taking selfies with the word "Union", and posting them on our social media.

Here are some examples from this weekend's training

Supporting Union Teachers (and their children)

Burnsville Teachers (District 191) have been teaching all year without a contract. We support the contract and bargaining rights of all teachers, and join them in their fight.

Seen here are WBLTA President Michael McKenzie, and his daughter Tori, a 191 middle school teacher.

Once again, welcome to the new academic year! I hope your first week or weeks back have been exciting and fulfilling!

As we face a new environment in a post-Janus world, Education Minnesota is responding by making changes and adding new programs that will help us thrive going forward.

This"What's New, What's Different?" booklet outlines the major changes leaders will see in the programs and offerings from Education Minnesota and the points of contact in each area.

As always, let your field staff know if you have questions about program offerings from your state union.

Together,

Denise-sig

Denise

WBLTA Certified Negotiators

Congratulations to our newest WBLTA Certified Negotiators!

From left: Michelle Padden, Abbi Case, Becky Butters, Karin Hogen, John Forestell, Tony Walfoort, Ben Kirkham

Gov. Walz Signs "Snow Day Relief" Bill

Governor Tim Walz signed the "Snow Day Relief" bill yesterday. The bill holds school districts harmless for the up to 15 days some of them had off for weather emergencies. More importantly, it allows districts to not make the days up and requires them to pay hourly employees for lost time.

A group of EDMN leaders who have been working on testifying efforts were invited to attend the bill signing. Our WBLTA President Michael McKenzie is in the second row to the left. In front and to his right is Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, in front to his left is Commissioner of Education Mary Cathryn