News from AFT Public Employees

Activists rally to protect and strengthen Social Security

Social Security will mark its 90th anniversary on Aug. 14—but instead of celebrating, labor activists say the program faces the gravest threats in its history. AFT President Randi Weingarten has warned that the Trump administration is pursuing policies aimed at dismantling Social Security. Advocates are organizing days of action on Aug. 14 and Aug. 16, with rallies across the country to demand full funding, fair staffing and protection from privatization. In a webinar recognizing the 90th anniversary, Weingarten, Social Security Works Executive Director Alex Lawson, American Federation of Government Employees Council 220 President Jessica LaPointe and teen activist Eliseo Jimenez stressed the importance of protecting the program against attacks and privatization.

‘Wolves of Wall Street’ unleashed to attack retirement savings

The Trump administration issued an executive order that opens the door to private equity firms accessing the retirement savings of millions of families. This dangerous scheme will rip off small investors, and it’s a big step toward the private equity industry achieving its goal of peddling risky, high-fee offerings to small investors. “This is the Trump administration bailing out private equity funds and the billionaires who run them at the expense of working Americans, who will be asked to bear all the risk of loss if private equity investments in their 401(k) plans tank,” says AFT President Randi Weingarten. If you can, join the Aug. 28 March on Wall Street.

Trump ramps up attacks on public libraries

As someone who denigrates facts, knowledge, expertise and professionalism, President Donald Trump has long belittled public libraries. This time around, in his second term, he’s ramping up his hostility toward them. His administration seeks to dismantle the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services—and AFT members nationwide have already begun to feel the effects.

Severely injured on the job, a nurse shares his story

No one at the New York State Public Employees Federation knew that Sept. 17, 2024, would be such a life-changing day for PEF members—and for one member in particular, Peter Shiffman. As the union’s elected leaders, delegates and staff prepared for the day at PEF’s annual convention in Syracuse, they received news that a fellow member and nurse at South Beach Psychiatric Center had been attacked by a patient. PEF leaders delivered the news to the convention body and sprang into action. Learn what happened to Shiffman in his own words.

Watch: Saving SUNY Downstate Hospital

AFT President Randi Weingarten, New York State Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence (pictured above center) and United University Professions President Frederick Kowal, along with many others, fought for years to keep SUNY Downstate Hospital funded and thriving. Watch as PEF’s Debbie Egel describes how closing this hospital would debilitate the vibrant and diverse community that relies on it. With a win of over $1 billion from the state of New York, SUNY Downstate not only will remain open but also will be modernized and improved to serve the entire community.

Weingarten on saving democracy, fighting fascists

AFT President Randi Weingarten created the AFT Book Club to lift up authors who care about critical thinking. Now we’re flipping it: Weingarten is in the author’s seat with her new book Why Fascists Fear Teachers. The core idea is simple and urgent: When people can think for themselves, democracy is stronger. That’s why authoritarians go after public institutions, unions and the working class. This conversation isn’t just about critical thinking, though; it’s about power, freedom, and who gets a fair shot in America. Save the date—Sunday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. EDT—and join us.

Union Talk podcast: The big, ugly new law

AFT President Randi Weingarten unpacks the dangers for working people in the big, ugly bill pushed through Congress by Republicans and signed last month by President Donald Trump. The new law will harm nearly every family in America—mostly after the midterm elections—through cuts to healthcare and critical services, all to fund tax breaks for the rich. Weingarten is joined by Alaska nurse Shannon Davenport, Connecticut nurse Heather Brauth and Virginia educator Laquetta Mackey to discuss how this law will hurt our patients, families and communities.