Reclaiming Our Union: A Call for Democracy, Equity, and Grassroots Power in Our Union

In her recent American Educator article "The Road Ahead: Fighting for Progress, Freedom, and Democracy,"  Randi Weingarten reflects a vision for the American Federation of Teachers rooted in optimism and determination to confront significant challenges facing public education. However, as members of the opposition caucus within the UFT, we must critique not only the rhetoric but also the substance of the current leadership's policies and practices. Our union's strength lies in its democratic principles, collective power, and commitment to transparency. Unfortunately, the current trajectory under Weingarten's leadership appears to compromise these values in several ways.

Firstly, while the article celebrates union growth, it glosses over the undemocratic tactics often employed within local chapters, particularly in our local union. The dominance of the UFT within the AFT has systematically marginalized smaller locals, leaving their unique concerns unaddressed. This centralization of power stifles the voices of rank-and-file members from diverse regions, reducing their ability to influence union policy effectively. The result is a top-down unionism that prioritizes the agenda of leadership over the democratic input of its membership.

Our Union’s relationship with charter schools further exemplifies this disconnect. By collaborating with charter organizations, the leadership undermines the public school system it claims to defend. This approach contributes to the chronic underfunding of public schools, exacerbating inequities and diverting resources away from the students and communities most in need. The article's failure to confront these contradictions speaks volumes about leadership’s priorities.

Equally concerning is the treatment of opposition voices within the union. The systematic attempt to marginalize rank-and-file members who question, or challenge leadership policies erodes trust and undermines the spirit of solidarity. Leadership positions within the union are frequently awarded based on loyalty rather than merit or democratic approval. This practice entrenches a culture of patronage and discourages the emergence of fresh ideas and perspectives that could invigorate the union's mission.

The article also highlights a glaring failure to organize effectively at the school level. While Weingarten emphasizes high-level initiatives, the union's strength lies in grassroots organizing—empowering teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff at individual schools to take collective action. The absence of a robust school-level organizing strategy weakens the union's capacity to address issues such as staffing shortages, class sizes, and professional development comprehensively.

Weingarten’s emphasis on advocacy at the national level, while important, has come at the expense of meaningful engagement with local concerns. The push for national campaigns and legislation must be balanced with a commitment to addressing the day-to-day realities of educators and support staff in their schools and communities.

As members of the opposition caucus, we call on our colleagues across the country to demand a shift in leadership. We need a union that listens to all its members, values grassroots organizing, and remains unwavering in its defense of public education. The time has come to reestablish a culture of democratic engagement and transparency within our Union. By doing so, we can build a union that truly represents and empowers its members and recommits to the fight for a just and equitable public education system.

Let us work together to bring about this change. A more democratic, transparent, and member-driven Union is not only possible but necessary for the challenges ahead.