AFT president Sandra Feldman this week announced that she will not run for reelection at the union's upcoming convention in July. Feldman told AFT leaders of her decision on Wednesday during meetings in New York City of the union's program and policy councils and the AFT executive council.

In her remarks and in a message to AFT staff, Feldman cited her recurrence of breast cancer that requires weekly treatments. The required travel to fulfill her duties as president, she said, would be a serious impediment to her recovery.

"As you can imagine, this is not a decision I came by lightly," she said. "You all know how much the AFT, our members and all those we serve—especially the children—mean to me."

Feldman said that she was confident the AFT would be "in great hands," praising AFT secretary-treasurer Edward J. McElroy and executive vice president Nat LaCour as "excellent, experienced leaders." The union's executive council, state and local leaders and staff, she added, "are the best in the country."

The job ahead is daunting, she said, "but as a team, we've always risen to the occasion, and I know we will again now." Feldman cited the union's preparation for the November elections and its pivotal role in crucial races, as well as its role in fixing and fully funding ESEA without jettisoning standards and accountability. The AFT is also "in the fray on overtime and Medicare, prescription drugs, nurse-patient ratios and on and on—right where we should be."

Feldman also acknowledged the many letters, cards and e-mails from members and leaders around the country that "continue to sustain me, as does my knowledge that you will continue to fight the good fight."

"You know I'll be there with you," she said, "even if I'm now in a different role."

May 26, 2004