In July, more than 115 activists from AFT Connecticut affiliates joined over 3,500 fellow delegates from across the country in Washington, D.C., for AFT’s national biennial convention. Together, they charted a bold future by passing resolutions on critical issues and electing national leadership for the next four years. Delegates also celebrated reaching a record-high membership of nearly two million and launched the most ambitious program of political activism in our 110-year history.
Union democracy was on full display as delegates debated key policy proposals—from strengthening K-12 and higher education and defending public health, to reining in artificial intelligence (AI) and tackling the ongoing affordability crisis. Thirteen committees, organized by constituency and subject matter, met to debate proposed resolutions and voted to forward scores of them to the convention floor for final action.
Resolving to Prevent Gun Violence
AFT Connecticut’s Executive Committee presented two key resolutions for debate, including a landmark measure addressing secure firearms storage and framing gun violence in school communities as a critical workplace safety issue.
The Healthcare Access/Quality Committee, chaired by AFT Connecticut Vice President John Brady, RN, took up this vital initiative. With support from national union leaders, Brady shepherded the resolution through the committee and championed its selection as one of only three featured for action on the convention floor.
Rising to call on delegates to adopt the policy, retired Newtown Federation of Teachers member Abbey Clements stated, “This resolution brings our union from outrage to action.” She framed safe firearms storage as a proven solution, emphasizing that “school shootings, unintentional shootings and suicide by a firearm – these are not inevitable.”
Following a standing ovation, delegates unanimously adopted the resolution.
Fighting for a Better Life for All
Beyond the committee process, delegates joined their divisional peers for panel discussions on the most significant challenges facing their workplaces and communities. Dozens of breakout meetings and receptions covered a wide range of innovative solutions being embraced by members nationally and globally.
“It was great to hear everybody talk not only about their wins but also about their goals going forward,” said Brady. “I think the fact that we are so many independent locals across the country in a federation that allows us to work together and learn from each other gives us a chance to experiment with different solutions.”
The central focus across nearly every plenary, panel, workshop and speech was the critical importance of the upcoming midterm elections. National union president Randi Weingarten outlined an ambitious political engagement strategy focused on mobilizing voters and protecting ballot access this fall.
The View from Fresh Eyes
First-time national convention delegate and Meriden Federation of Teachers Steward Robin Cusachs noted that her main goal was to “bring back what I learn to my city. I’ve learned a lot that will help me in my role on my local’s political action committee.”
Cusachs was among several first-time Connecticut delegates in attendance. Two delegates shared their four-day experience with fellow union members via a social media video.
“We’re facing many of the same issues that the other 390 locals represented here are facing,” said University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) Vice President for Political Affairs Amber LaFontaine. “Through solidarity, we’ll prevail.”
“When we see each other – and really hear each other – we can accomplish anything,” said Backus Federation of Nurses Convention Delegate Amber DeSouza, RN. “When we work together, anything’s possible.”
Recognizing Labor’s Legacy
The convention also provided an opportunity to honor activists who have dedicated their lives to the labor movement and working families. “Lifetime Achievement” awards were presented to long-time United Farm Workers (UFW) leader Dolores Huerta and Connecticut’s own U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro.
At the Women’s Rights Breakfast on the final day, University Health Professionals (UHP) Chief Steward Jean Morningstar was awarded the “Living the Legacy Award – Gold Recognition” for her 40 years of service and leadership.
“No one in the labor movement does anything by themselves; it’s a group effort,” Morningstar reflected. “When they say, ‘an injury to one is an injury to all,’ well, a victory for one is a victory for all.”
Re-Electing Leaders to Guide the Next Two Years
Delegates cast their ballots to re-elect Weingarten as president, Fedrick C. Ingram as secretary-treasurer and Evelyn DeJesus as executive vice president. They also elected 43 national vice presidents to the Executive Council to serve through 2028, including AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust that members across the country have once again placed in me,” said Hochadel. “Bringing Connecticut’s voice to the national stage is a privilege and a profound responsibility – one that I carry into every debate, policy decision and fight for our working families.”
With a busy and ambitious convention agenda complete, AFT Connecticut’s delegates have returned to their local communities energized and ready for the work ahead. Emerging activists interested in participating in future state or national AFT events or allied labor coalitions are encouraged to reach out to their local union leadership.
Editor’s note: additional contributions from Christina Bartolomeo, Melanie Boyer, Sharone Carmona, Adrienne Coles, Annette Licitra, AFT.
