Details on AFT Convention in Seattle, July 7-11

WASHINGTON—The American Federation of Teachers’ convention opens July 8 in Seattle with AFT President Randi Weingarten’s keynote speech focusing on fighting to save and strengthen public education as it ought to be and the need for unions to build common cause with communities. These will be the themes of a major national campaign to be discussed at the convention.

More than 3,000 delegates are expected to attend the convention, and will debate and vote on major union policies. In addition to Weingarten, other major speakers include NAACP President Ben Jealous, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, and Bill Gates of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Reporters coming to the convention at the Washington State Convention Center must obtain press credentials on the 4th floor, halls ABC, in the Press Office. Highlights will include:

Thursday, July 8

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn – greetings
NAACP President Ben Jealous
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s keynote speech

noon
Media availability with Randi Weingarten

Friday, July 9

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray – greetings
Organizing victories

Saturday, July 10

10:00 a.m. – noon
Dr. Juan Andrade, president, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
Candidate for U.S. representative Joyce Elliott from Arkansas
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bill Gates

Sunday, July 11

9:30 a.m.
Business session