The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is a national labor union representing educators, school staff, higher education faculty, healthcare workers, and public employees. Founded in 1916, the organization advocates for quality public education, professional standards, workers’ rights, and equitable access to healthcare and public services.
AFT typically pursues policies related to public education funding, collective bargaining rights, teacher pay and benefits, class size limits, workplace safety, healthcare access, retirement security, and broader labor protections for public sector workers.
The organization is primarily funded through membership dues paid by its members.
AFT is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and Education International, and includes numerous state and local teacher unions such as the United Federation of Teachers.
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