@aft.org President @rweingarten.bsky.social's new column lifts up all of the helpers in our communities. It's the helpers who give us hope to reclaim the promise of America and build a better future for all. Read it here ⤵️ www.aft.org/column/grati...

As we remember Mr. Turnipseed, we also remind all our members of our steadfast commitment to worker safety and to the fight ahead. Our members deserve more than condolences. They deserve answers, action, and the safe working conditions every worker is entitled to. md.aft.org/news/honorin...

We love this annual event! AFT Maryland and many of our local affiliates once again participated in the AFL-CIO Community Services of Central Maryland's annual Holiday Basket and Toy Drive for union families in need. md.aft.org/news/annual-...

Union Busting is Disgusting! Standing with Starbucks Workers United for fair contracts + better work conditions. @sbworkersunited.org @drtoddaft.bsky.social

Maryland’s legislative future is being redefined as Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk assumes her role as leader of the House of Representatives, bringing a career’s worth of progressive momentum. md.aft.org/legislative-...

Americans’ stockings are getting stuffed with one thing this holiday season: higher bills. Prices on popular gifts are up 26%—that’s nearly 9× faster than inflation. Soaring prices are dampening the holiday magic as families cut back on gift-giving and tap into savings to afford presents.

Working families want a lower cost of living, strong public schools & leaders who treat people with dignity, says @rweingarten.bsky.social — and we can win it by working together. “We can and must build a better future for all Americans.” Read more in the Winter 2025 #AmericanEducator — out now. ⤵️

After months of bargaining, faculty at Prince George's Community College have secured a tentative agreement that addresses critical issues while providing increased salaries and improved working conditions. Read more about it on our website: md.aft.org/press/pgcc-f...

A proposal by this administration could make college even more expensive and put careers in public services, healthcare, and education further out of reach for the next generation. Tell Congress to restore the professional designation to these degrees!

Randi’s Weekly Report: @rweingarten.bsky.social breaks down lawsuit to protect funding for students, calls out "affordability is a con job" lie, reminds members of Dec. 31 student debt tax protection deadline, & shares solidarity message for striking Oregon nurses ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVdz...

Democrats are comfortable fighting Trump, but to change the country we need to do more than critique; Americans want solutions & there’s lots of room to work on economic pathways to success and creating opportunity for all. Thanks @DashaBurns for the conversation. www.politico.com/video/2025/1...

We are heartbroken over the loss of CUB Local 800 member Gregory Turnipseed, a Baltimore DoT employee who was beaten on the job, and later died from his injuries. CUB President Antoinette Ryan-Johnson stated violence against city workers happens more than the public is aware.

Collective bargaining gives higher ed workers a voice to stand up for academic freedom & what students need. It's how Harvard & Brown workers fought the Trump compacts, w/ @aft.org & @AAUP.org leading the way. Fighting 4 MD to extend CB in 2026! @AFTmaryland.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/aftm...

This is a great read on educators navigating AI in the classroom, and why the humanity of teaching and learning still matters. We are against companion chatbots, but want educators to be at the table as AI is developed so it’s done in a safe and responsible manner. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/m...

Following our lawsuit, which accused the Dept of Ed of delaying IBR application processing, it agreed to continue processing forgiveness for those who reached the payment threshold, and additional barriers might soon be lifted. www.businessinsider.com/more-student...

While gas and groceries are top of mind with #Thanksgiving this week, the affordability crisis facing working people goes far deeper. Housing, healthcare and childcare are also crushing the middle class. www.politico.com/news/2025/11...

AFT Maryland Pres. Kenya Campbell and @aft.org Pres. @rweingarten.bsky.social were in Annapolis today for a meeting with Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Make it a Union Made Thanksgiving! aflcio.org/union-thanks...

@rweingarten.bsky.social discussed Trump dismantling the Department of Education with @mollyjongfast.bsky.social: “I don't care if you're liberal, or conservative or independent—don't abandon children, don't basically undermine children in America.” Listen here ⬇️ www.iheart.com/podcast/1119...

Maryland’s 911 Specialists should have the same access to the state retirement benefits available to other first responders. Unfortunately, the IRS Code that governs qualified government pension plans will not allow it. md.aft.org/legislative-...

Looking for a fun family activity this Thanksgiving? Check out StoryCorps' Great Thanksgiving Listen, helping students interview loved ones and record living history. It's a great way to practice listening skills, connect with family, and celebrate storytelling. sharemylesson.com/blog/the-gre...

BIG news! We're launching a new weekly video series to keep you in the loop on what's happening with AFT. In our first-ever report, @rweingarten.bsky.social breaks down: 🗳️ Pro-education, pro-worker election wins 🏛️ Fight in DC for healthcare, food assistance & student debt 🎓 Big student debt victory

VIDEO: This week, @rweingarten.bsky.social hosted a PSLF webinar with @borrowerjustice.bsky.social to discuss AFT's success in getting the Trump admin to forgive student loans for eligible borrowers & help members who served their communities get the relief they’ve earned. Watch here ▶️ aft.org/PSLF

The Trump-Vance administration's new rule could deny teachers, nurses, social workers, & nonprofit staff the #PSLF they were promised...if their employer works on issues Trump doesn't like. This is a political purge, & it's illegal. @borrowerjustice.bsky.social www.aft.org/press-releas...

@AFT.org has been fighting for a decade to help borrowers. This agreement will help working people get economic freedom. We should build on this and find more solutions to make college more affordable so everyone can pursue their dreams. www.fastcompany.com/91432101/mil...

Tonight! (11/3, 6pm EST) - The AFT is hosting a webinar about the HUGE WIN holding the Dept. of Ed & Student Loan Servicers accountable, and protecting access to income-driving repayment & PSLF.

AFT Maryland seeks a Field Staff Representative to be based in Maryland. Details can be found at: unionjobs.com/listing.php?... #1u #UnionStrong @aftmaryland.bsky.social @aft.org

AFT Maryland folks had a great time "trunk-or-treating" last weekend in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood of Baltimore. We had treats and free books for the kids, and voter registration information for the grown ups. It's an annual tradition! More at md.aft.org

In 2002, the groundbreaking research of Linda H. Aiken & her colleagues demonstrated that patient outcomes had a direct relationship to nurse workload. So why, 20+ years later, are we still fighting so hard for safe staffing? Aiken offers her perspective in AFT Health Care ⬇️ aft.org/hc/fall2025/...

via @marylandmatters.org : SNAP shutdown looms, union pushes for settlement: Stakes of the ongoing government shutdown rose Monday as USDA insisted food benefits for November can't be paid, while a federal workers union pressed for a stopgap budget. marylandmatters.org/2025/10/27/r...

In Chicago, educators like music teacher Kathryn Zamarrón are stepping up to protect immigrant students and families from ICE. Amid the Trump admin's attacks, schools should be havens of safety and joy where every child feels they belong. Read more in American Educator ⬇️ www.aft.org/ae/fall2025/...

Democracy and economic opportunity are inextricably linked. Without a strong democracy, only the rich and powerful, and those in the leader’s favor, have agency and opportunity. - @rweingarten.bsky.social www.aft.org/column/we-pe...

Classroom teacher Glenn Sacks writes in The Hill that teacher union dues "is some of the best money I have ever spent." He goes on to critique statements by the "Teacher Freedom Alliance", an anti-union organization. Read more: thehill.com/opinion/educ...

When the Trump administration failed to follow through on its duties to forgive student loan debt for eligible borrowers, the AFT took it to court—and won. Now 2.5 million borrowers are set to have their loan debt forgiven. Read more about what it could mean for you here ⬇️ time.com/7327813/stud...

“Being part of this first contract victory has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” says resident and bargaining committee chair Dr. Lo Tamburro. “It shows the power of grassroots organizing and the strength of our solidarity.” @aftmaryland.bsky.social

Join us for a Community Trunk-Or-Treat event! Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1000 N Stricker St., Baltimore MD 21217 (between Riggs Ave and Mosher St) md.aft.org/news/trunk-o...

“For nearly a decade, the AFT has fought for the rights of student loan borrowers to be freed from the shackles of unjust debt—and today, a huge part of that affordability fight was vindicated,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statment.

AFT members gathered at the No Kings protest on Oct. 18th in Catonsville, MD along Baltimore National Pike, one of more than 60 protests across Maryland and more than 2600 events across the nation.

Last month, @aft.org updated its lawsuit from March over massive processing delays for income-driven repayment plans. IDR plans offer borrowers affordable monthly payments based on income, with the possibility of student loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years in repayment.

AFT Maryland folks will be gathering in Catonsville, at 6223 Baltimore Nat'l Pike. Join us! --> aftmd.us/nkd1018

Economic inequality doesn’t just hurt individuals—it fuels societal polarization, distrust in institutions and democratic backsliding. In Fall ’25 #AFTHealthCare, Eli G. Rau and Susan Stokes show how we can fight back to #defenddemocracy. www.aft.org/hc/fall2025/...

Come rally with AFT Maryland members on Saturday, October 18, 2025! We will be at the No Kings Rally in Catonsville, MD from 10am to noon, 6223 Baltimore National Pike (meet at the Giant parking lot). Let us know you're coming at: aftmd.us/nkd1018

In the upcoming 2026 Maryland State legislative session, Senators Jack Bailey and Will Smith plan to reintroduce Senate Bill 690, legislation to amend Maryland’s Police Officers and Probation Agents Scholarship Program - to include correctional officers. Read more: md.aft.org/legislative-...

“It really strengthens the education here at the college and provides students with more excellence in teaching when faculty are provided the resources that we need, and support that we need,” said Daniel Ryan, assistant professor at HCC and UAMD member. “It really helps our institution grow.”

TONIGHT at 7 PM! Join @hakeemjeffries-ac.bsky.social, @repstevenhorsford.bsky.social, @whipkclark.bsky.social, @rweingarten.bsky.social, @housedemocrats.bsky.social, & @endcitizensunited.bsky.social President Tiffany Muller for a talk about the GOP shutdown & Democrats' plan to save healthcare.

Happy PSRP Week! Check out AFT's toolkit for ways to celebrate the PSRPs at your school at @sharemylesson.bsky.social sharemylesson.com/teaching-res...

After over a year of bargaining, faculty at Hagerstown Community College have secured a tentative agreement addressing the critical issues that drove organizing over a year and a half ago. We're so proud of the work of United Academics of Maryland Community Colleges and the chapter at Hagerstown!

The impacts of the federal shutdown are widespread. The state of Maryland website has a list of available supports including job placement services, virtual workshops, legal aid, veterans’ resources, and access to housing, food, and health coverage assistance. Find more info:

NEW in Fall '25 #AFTHealthCare: ✊ @rweingarten.bsky.social on standing up for our democracy 🏥 @ofnhp.bsky.social @wsna.bsky.social & @oregonnursesassoc.bsky.social on the danger of staffing cuts ♿ @harvardmed.bsky.social on improving access for patients with disabilities www.aft.org/hc/fall2025

“My message for the Republican party is to come back to the table. The American people are looking for affordable healthcare and access to healthcare.” Ohio State University RN Catharyne Henderson explains why the #TrumpShutdown could spell disaster for patients. @oftunion.bsky.social