Statement from Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers, On Contract Negotiations Between Washington Teachers' Union and D.C. Public Schools
Response to Oct. 25 Washington Post story, ‘Long Battle Expected on
 Plan to Fire Teachers’

WASHINGTON–While the AFT has not been directly involved in negotiations, we have been working in a supportive role to help George Parker, the WTU executive board and our hard-working members reach an agreement with D.C. Public Schools that reflects a comprehensive plan for raising the achievement of all D.C.’s students. We are proud of that work and are surprised that anyone thought it was being kept a secret. Unfortunately, Chancellor Rhee seems more concerned with who advises the union than what is really at stake—raising academic achievement for D.C.’s students. 

Even before Rhee was named as chancellor, the AFT has actively supported the WTU in its efforts to improve learning in the District of Columbia. We know that productive negotiations require genuine cooperation, collaboration and compromise focused on our shared values of helping students and teachers. By supporting WTU President George Parker and WTU members, the AFT will continue to encourage them to reach a settlement that has the best interests of children at its core.

The members of the WTU are also members of the AFT. As such, the AFT has a responsibility to support them in their efforts to strengthen public education in the District through the collective bargaining process. This is not a new role for the AFT—we have provided similar assistance to a long list of local unions across the country.

The AFT and the WTU want a contract that will enhance student achievement and transform D.C.’s public schools into a model for the rest of the country. We are prepared to work with Chancellor Rhee to achieve that goal. 

# # # #