AFT Massachusetts

Today we're excited to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest annual Black freedom celebration in the US. On this day in 1865, Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery to individuals in Galveston, Texas.

Learn about Juneteenth from Share My Lesson here: https://sharemylesson.com/juneteenth-activities

AFT Massachusetts is proud to endorse Patrick Roath, Democratic candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ Eighth District!

Patrick is an attorney and voting rights advocate with a deep commitment to strengthening public education, defending students and educators, and fighting back against federal attacks on schools, workers, and public services ✊ He’ll be the advocate our members, students, and communities need in the 8th Congressional District.

The Democratic Primary is Tuesday, September 1.

"From his commitment to universal pre-k to his call for the federal government to fund special education costs at the level they've promised for decades to his support for strong workforce and vocational opportunities for our students, Patrick Roath is a candidate with a strong vision for supporting our schools, our families, and the communities throughout the district," said American Federation of Teachers President Jessica Tang.

Learn more about Patrick and how to get involved at patrickroath.com and check out our full endorsement at ma.aft.org/press-releases.

Join us and VOTE ROATH on Tuesday, September 1!

🚨 MA Supreme Judicial Court bars income tax ballot question that would have devastated state budget, public schools, and social services from November ballot.

Six months ago, AFT Amesbury President Cindy Yetman, Boston Teachers Union President Erik Berg, and Chelsea Teachers' Union #1340 President Kathryn Anderson joined a lawsuit against the campaign pushing for a ballot question to lower the income tax rate, arguing that the question was misleading voters with the promise of a little off their tax bill while ignoring billions of dollars it would drain from our public schools and essential services.

We are proud to say that the MA Supreme Judicial Court just unanimously ruled in our favor, blocking this question from the ballot over its false and misleading summary.

Now is the time to turn our focus to the policies we know make Massachusetts a place people want to live and work: investing in our public schools, workforce training opportunities, and more.

It’s shaping up to be a busy year for ballot questions here in Massachusetts, but today we’re celebrating a big win in our work to protect schools and services.

Learn more about the suit at ma.aft.org/press/SJC-removes-ballot-question.

Just ✌️ weeks til SOI 2026!

If you’re a new building rep, SOI is for you.

If you just joined your local’s contract action team, SOI is for you.

If you’re hungry to fight back against the attacks on unions, the dismantling the Dept. of Education, and the relentless attacks on our elections and democracy, SOI is for YOU!

Join AFT MA & Boston Teachers Union June 29-30 for our union’s deep organizing space where we gather each year to learn and mobilize together. Featuring specialized tracks for building reps, bargaining teams, and activists, this year is all about building power.
RSVP to join at tinyurl.com/SOI2026!

Since the successful passage of Question 2 in 2024, we've been working hard to ensure the needs and concerns of educators, students, and communities are heard as we look to what systems we need now that MCAS is no longer a graduation requirement. On top of the AFT MA's work on the Statewide Graduation Council, we've held a series of focus groups and additional opportunities to solicit input directly from our members.

Our new report outlines the feedback we've received to date and recommendations moving forward. This is an ongoing process, and our work is far from done!

We will continue to keep you informed on our work and how we, as a collective body, can stand up and support our communities to transform public education in the Commonwealth by creating a stronger, more equitable system of opportunities and life long preparedness for our students to succeed in college, career and beyond.

On , we celebrate the values and ideals that our flag stands for—liberty and justice for all. We honor those who have defended those values and we work every day to make those ideals a reality for every American. 🇺🇸

Thank you President Paul Georges for being our labor legend and an inspiration for generations to come - MVCLC Awards Dinner!

"Whether in a union hall, on a radio show, or at a public school, Paul Georges used his outsized and influential voice, tirelessly advocating for the needs of educators, students, and all workers. His transformative leadership throughout decades of union activism helped thousands of people.

"While we know activists never retire, we also know that Paul cemented a strong foundation and built a legacy that will endure for years to come. We are grateful that Lowell, the Merrimack Valley, and all of us at AFT Massachusetts benefited from his tremendous years of service, leadership, and experience. Thank you President Paul Georges for being our labor legend and an inspiration for generations to come!" - AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang

With Gov. Healey’s signature, the 2026 Fair Share Supplemental Budget is law!

Today’s supplemental budget will provide critical, mid-year funds for our public schools and public transit, as well as funding contracts for our members at UMass Dartmouth—just as the voters intended when they passed the Fair Share Amendment.

We’re forever proud of the work AFT Massachusetts members put in to make the Fair Share Amendment a reality! Thank you to Gov. Healey and the Massachusetts House and Senate for delivering another supplemental budget investing Fair Share funds in our public schools and transit.

With Gov. Healey’s signature, the 2026 Fair Share Supplemental Budget is law!

Today’s supplemental budget will provide critical, mid-year funds for our public schools and public transit, as well as funding contracts for our members at UMass Dartmouth—just as the voters intended when they passed the Fair Share Amendment.
�We’re forever proud of the work AFT Massachusetts members put in to make the Fair Share Amendment a reality! Thank you to Gov. Healey and the Massachusetts House and Senate for delivering another supplemental budget investing Fair Share funds in our public schools and transit.

☀️ It’s almost SUMMER (Organizing Institute) time!!

Join AFT MA and Boston Teachers Union for our annual deep organizing space, where you’ll build the skills we all need to win for our members, students, and families in the classroom and beyond.

RSVP today to join us at tinyurl.com/SOI2026!