Dear Union Members,

This week’s Wednesday Win is about the benefits of being on a winning team.

Last week I had the privilege of being one of eighteen AFT 1521 delegates that attended the biennial National AFT Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. I want to thank my fellow delegates for their participation and dedication to attending this four-day conference with meetings from 10:00 AM till often 8:00 PM.

As you know, AFT 1521 is the largest community college local in the nation. But you may not know that AFT is the largest affiliate of the AFL-CIO, the largest union in the United States. This means that we have the backing, resources, and benefits of one of the most powerful unions on the planet. Many issues that the AFT National has fought for have benefited our members, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). There are also a variety of member benefits that include discounts on travel, auto insurance, car rentals, AT&T services, free trauma coverage in the one-year aftermath of a covered traumatic incident, savings with Dansko Footwear and Office Depot, and so much more (https://members.aft.org/members). The benefits of membership extend beyond the contract to our ability to be a member of an expansive organization that supports our members, students, and communities. Thank you for your time.

In Unity,

A. James McKeever PhD

AFT 1521 Faculty Guild President