KY 120 United AFT is a union of professionals that advocates for a high-quality public education along with delivering quality public services that will allow for our Commonwealth to grow and thrive. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining, and political activism, and especially through the work our members do. Together we are stronger, and every voice matters.
"American Federation of Teachers has more than 1.7 million members nationwide and is affiliated with AFL-CIO. Our movement in Kentucky began in 2018 when educators from across the state stood together and used our voice to stand up for our profession, fight for our pensions, and protect our public schools. As a grassroots group we were known as 120Strong. In 2020, when new hires were placed in a different pension system, we knew we had to organize as a union and partnered with AFT. You are now a member of the fastest growing union in Kentucky. Our goal is a collective bargaining agreement in every county in the state." - AFT
Last Tuesday, February 7, 2023, AFT organizers, along with KASA (Kentucky Association of School Administrators) met with the Kentucky House Education Committee for a discussion regarding the statewide teacher shortage issue, and presented possible solutions. AFT says this about the meeting:
"Today, the House Ed Committee was presented information regarding the teacher shortage from various K groups representing many public education interests.
KY 120 United- AFT applauds the legislature for asking hard questions regarding this escalating crisis in our state. The nine suggestions presented today are a start, but don’t go quite far enough. While lots of focus is rightfully on recruitment, we also need to focus on RETAINMENT immediately to stop the bleeding.
If the 2023 General Assembly is serious about tackling this crisis in a bipartisan manner, we are all in to help. Anyone. Any time.
Pay does matter. No one goes into public service for the pay, but the commitment should NOT come with a vow of poverty. We would like to see planning periods be protected. At the state level. This session. We would also like to see mandatory exit interviews for every public school employee who leaves the profession. That information can be used to improve working conditions across the Commonwealth.
We have a long way to go. This is a start."
AFT also mentioned the "culture wars" that have started within the bills filed by KY legislature, and stated clearly that public school students are being targeted. AFT has made an official statement, regarding these bills filed.
"KY 120 United AFT Official Statement HB173, SB150, and any other legislation that attacks or isolates Kentucky’s children.
While we are disgusted and disappointed, we are not surprised that the nasty bigotry and hate towards our LGBTQ+ community has now been packaged by the majority party nicely and neatly into a “parental rights” bill. We live in a state with one of the highest child abuse rates per capita, we can accurately say that not all children are safe at home. So to take schools, a safe space where these children are protected and respected as they grow, and to make it into a political machine that harasses children and teachers at the whims of Frankfort, is something we will not tolerate.
The irony of this bill dropping shortly after a committee meeting regarding the teacher shortage is not lost on us. It was clearly lost on some of the people sitting on that committee.
Let us be clear- we will fight against and stand firmly opposed to ANY bill that bullies or singles out the students we serve or the teachers who serve them. We will also protect and defend our LGBTQ staff members from these disgusting and clearly politically motivated attacks. We trust that this is what ALL parents expect from public schools, and we will fight alongside them to protect our students and teachers every step of the way."
Public schools are an integral part of our society. Education is crucial in battling ignorance and hate. Public school teachers are truly the lifeblood of a well-informed future. It is very important that we support Kentucky's public education and public schools. One of the ways to do this is to support KY-120 United AFT by joining the union in solidarity here: KY120 United (aft.org)
Another way to do this is to call the Legislative Reseach Committee (LRC) at 1-800-372-7181 and tell yours and all of Kentucky's senators and representatives to oppose the bills filed attacking public education.
