AFT convention delegates approved a per capita increase for each of the next two years, along with a proposal to set aside more money each year for the Solidarity Fund (a political fund, established at the 2002 AFT convention, to counter well-funded conservative initiatives that seek to cripple public education and labor unions). After a spirited debate, delegates voted to raise the per capita to $13.95 per member per month effective in September of this year and to $14.70 in September 2007.

“We need additional resources to properly pursue a number of important organizing opportunities,” AFT president Edward J. McElroy said in urging delegates to support the dues increase proposed by the AFT executive council. “At the same time, we must continue to provide the excellent services upon which our members rely.” The increased revenue is needed to ensure that the AFT can respond to the challenges confronting the AFT and the labor movement, including attacks on bargaining rights and hard-earned benefits such as healthcare and pensions.

A related bylaw change increases the amount of members’ dues that will be passed on to the AFT Solidarity Fund as well as the amount the national union passes on to state federations that set up similar funds. Effective Sept. 1, the amount going to the Solidarity Fund will increase from 67 cents to 80 cents and then to $1 on Sept. 1, 2007. The amount going to state funds will increase to 30 cents in September (a 5 cent increase) and to 40 cents next year.

“I cannot begin to describe how this money [from the Solidarity Fund] has helped our state and our locals increase their activism,” said Marcia Reback, president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals and an AFT vice president.

Delegates also approved three other amendments to the AFT constitution and bylaws. One dealt with salary levels that local affiliates can use to establish special classes of membership for one-half and one-quarter dues. Another changes from 15 to 30 days the amount of time prior to the convention that affiliates must send a list of all delegates and alternates to the national office. The final change says affiliates must provide the AFT with the information to satisfy the requirements for affiliates in good standing 30 days before the opening of the convention.