Union Talk

In a special Pride Month episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten and Brian Bond, the executive director of PFLAG, discuss the history and power of the LGBTQIA+ community and the current fight against hateful policies impacting students, teachers and families.

AFT President Randi Weingarten talks with Brent Parton from the U.S. Department of Labor and Billie Helean from the Rio Rancho School Employees Union to discuss the success of career and technical education programs and dispel any myths about these programs, which are transforming the landscape and offering students more than one post-high school route to achieve their dreams.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, AFT President Randi Weingarten welcomes Emmy-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph to discuss how "Abbott Elementary" shows love to educators, the importance of books and real-world solutions to heal our education system in America.

In an address to the National Press Club, AFT President Randi Weingarten delivers a major speech to defend public education, transform learning and support children as the institution comes under existential threat from extremist, culture-war peddling politicians. Weingarten outlines a four-part plan to help overcome learning loss and reclaim the purpose and promise of public education: 25,000 community schools; experiential learning for all kids, including career and technical education; the revival and restoration of the teaching profession; and deepened partnerships with parents and the community.

Most American workers are forced to choose between getting paid and caring for their families. In this episode, AFT President Randi Weingarten joins Kansas City Federation of Teachers President Jason Roberts and Ohio Federation of Teachers organizer Kristin McCormick to discuss recent victories and ongoing struggles to ensure working families have paid leave.

AFT President Randi Weingarten is joined by award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien to discuss her new documentary, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, the political threat to Black history and the importance of good storytelling.

AFT President Randi Weingarten talks with Michigan State University education policy professor Joshua Cowen to discuss the real impact school vouchers are having on public education, students and our democracy.

AFT President Randi Weingarten is joined by Mark Gaither and Katrina Kickbush, educators at Baltimore's Wolfe Street Academy, for an inspirational conversation illustrating how community schools deliver on the promise of public education.

Showcasing that elections matter, AFT President Randi Weingarten joins New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker to discuss how they've turned their election wins into real progress for public education, healthcare and pro-democracy efforts in their states.

Randi Weingarten is joined by Cleveland Teachers Union President Shari Obrenski and first-grade teacher Jillian Ahrens to discuss the success of the AFT's Reading Opens the World campaign, the relentless work of AFT members to bring 1 million free books to kids and families across the nation, and the comfort and joy books bring kids—as well as helping them improve their literacy skills.