From the shop floor to the Senate floor, union members belong in power

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore opened the final day of AFT's convention on Sunday with a clear message: when union members and union values are in political power, real change follows. As proof, he pointed to his own administration's record: expanded collective bargaining rights, organizing rights for more than 2,000 library workers, bargaining rights for adjunct faculty, raises for state employees and major investments in teacher recruitment.

Moore drew a sharp contrast with the Trump administration, highlighting Maryland's middle-class tax cuts, the largest investment in public education in state history, and a grow-your-own program to address teacher shortages. His closing point tied it together: Political power, when it's on workers' side, builds a future where "we leave no one behind."

Mary Peltola, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Alaska, paused to breathe through tears when she talked about the current affordability crisis. "It seems outlandish that in the United States we can talk about families going hungry," she said. She referenced the staggering cost of gas for fisherman trying to fuel their boats and families "stretching paychecks so thin they can see through them."

"This is fixable," she said. "But it's going to take every single one of us."

Newly elected Texas state Sen. Taylor Rehmet demonstrated that winning is possible. A Democrat, Rehmet won a special election in a deep red district that President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024. The difference, he said, was focusing on values-like supporting educators and healthcare workers-instead of political alliances. He also warned delegates about what is at stake. "[Politicians] stand behind podiums and call you heroes, because 'hero' is a beautiful word that costs them nothing," Rehmet said. "Then they go back to their statehouses and Capitols and refuse to pay you enough to live in the communities you serve."

Pennsylvania state Rep. Jen Mazzocco had a direct message for members: Find candidates who will fight for public schools and working people, and help them win. And if they don't exist, stand up and run yourself.

Working people belong everywhere decisions are made, "from the union hall to the state Capitol, from the shop floor to the Senate floor, and from the bargaining table to the halls of power," said IAM International President Brian Bryant.

Members were also urged to join the AFT's Count Me In! and Democracy Defenders programs. Every affiliate can recruit volunteers, hold member-to-member conversations, help people register and vote, counter disinformation, protect ballot access and ensure every eligible vote is counted.

"To fight back against this fascist regime, we need to be in the streets, wisely using our wallets, battling in the courts and winning at the ballet box," said Jeff Freitas, president of the California Federation of Teachers. "I am proud the AFT is taking the lead in protecting the election. … When we act together, we get it done,"

[Melanie Boyer/Photo credit: Suzannah Hoover]