88th AFT Convention Adopts Resolution on Social and Emotional Well-Being of Teachers and Students in Ukraine

At the end of July, the 88th Convention of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) took place in Houston, USA, bringing together more than 2,300 delegates from across the country.

During the general session, AFT President Randi Weingarten highlighted the union's significant achievements over the past few years, despite numerous challenges, including unfair court decisions, political obstacles, and the global pandemic. 

With the belief that unionization is the way to improve economic mobility and the lives of working people, AFT membership has grown from 1.4 million in 2008 to 1.8 million today. And as a very active union, the AFT has an impact on issues in education, health care, and public services. 

On the last day of the convention, Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, took part in its work. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of the role of unions in promoting fair working conditions, better pay, and sick and family leave. 

Delegates to the AFT Convention re-elected Randi Weingarten as AFT President, Fredrick Ingram as Secretary-Treasurer and Evelyn De Jesus as Executive Vice President.

A delegation of representatives of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine – Vice President of the Trade Union Olha Chabaniuk and Head of the International Department Kateryna Maliuta-Osaulova - took part in the AFT Convention and additional sessions. At the session “The Role of Trade Unions in Protecting Democracy”, they were the main speakers and shared their experience of protecting the rights of teachers and students during martial law.

As a result of the Convention, a resolution was adopted: “Ukraine: Social and Emotional Well-Being of Teachers and Students”.

In the resolution, the American Federation of Teachers emphasizes the social and emotional well-being of Ukrainian teachers and students during the war. 

As part of the resolution, the AFT will work with the Trade Union of Education and Science of Ukraine, as well as other international organizations, to support Ukrainian trade union members. This will include developing and implementing training and professional development on trauma-informed education to help teachers and students overcome the effects of war.

The AFT is also committed to disseminating information about the impact of the war on education in Ukraine to international partners and civil society organizations, as well as raising awareness of violations of children's rights and education in the war zone.

International Department