John,

As we observe Labor Day, it’s not just about picnics and parades. It’s about standing up for what all working people deserve: dignity, a life they can afford and real opportunity. That’s what we do in the AFT and in America’s labor movement. Whether you are a nurse, a bus driver or an educator, you make a difference in people’s lives every day. In this moment, our fight for freedom, fairness and security is more important than ever.

The majority of Americans, even many who voted for Donald Trump, disapprove of the president’s agenda, which takes away freedoms, abandons public education, makes college less affordable, kicks millions off healthcare, takes food from hungry children and wages war on workers’ rights—all to give massive tax cuts to big corporations and billionaires.

Most Americans, including AFT members, feel that the cost of essentials is still too high; they want public schools supported, not abandoned; they don’t want masked agents disappearing people who pose no harm; and they disapprove of the military being deployed in our cities. There is a growing movement saying we don’t want this chaos and cruelty; none of this is helping working people have a better life.

That’s why this Labor Day, as part of the labor movement, we are standing up, speaking out and showing up for a better life for all Americans—in hundreds of actions being planned across the country. I hope you will join one of our Labor Day actions. Click here for an event near you. And share these social media graphics about how unions help workers get the pay and benefits they deserve. The graphics are available on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and Twitter.

If you are so inclined, you can use this tool to send a letter to the editor of your local paper about what all workers deserve—fair pay and safe working conditions, affordable healthcare and a secure retirement, and a strong democracy where every person is valued and every vote counts. That’s what over 90 percent of AFT members told us after the 2024 election.

While we live in an alarming time, AFT members and leaders have not shied away from protecting our democracy, our children, our schools and our communities. From participating in June’s No Kings Day actions, to forcing the Trump administration to release funds it illegally withheld from public schools, to organizing new local unions, negotiating landmark contracts and passing important legislation, our union is standing strong.

In Oregon, we negotiated a historic contract that sets a new standard for wages, staffing and patient safety at one of the state’s largest healthcare systems, helping make Oregon the highest-paid state for registered nurses. In New Hampshire, we fought a bill restricting what teachers can discuss in classrooms. In New York, we passed a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones at school to support student engagement and learning. And so far this year, we’ve organized 31 new units and settled 25 collective bargaining agreements.

And we’re not stopping. Watch for new grants coming to locals from the AFT to help engage members and communities, and check out our new campaign in support of higher education, which is under siege. Join our ongoing fight for essentials like safeguarding Social Security and access to healthcare. Tap into the treasure trove of resources on Share My Lesson or Colorín Colorado. Check aft.org for upcoming actions to defend democracy. Or join us for an event to promote reading.

Speaking of reading, I hope you like my new book (my first) about the importance of public schools and public school teachers in this moment. It’s called Why Fascists Fear Teachers. I want to spark conversation about why many on the far right are attacking teachers, censoring what students can learn and read, and defunding public schools—all toward their goal of ending public education as we know it. I call on officials to listen to and support educators striving to help kids soar. I hope you will see yourself in its pages. You can learn more about the book here.

We are reviving our #PublicSchoolProud campaign to celebrate the everyday moments that make public schools the heart of our communities. Whether it’s science fairs, literacy nights or football games under the lights, these moments remind us that public schools don’t just educate; they unite us and give every child a shot at a better life. Every week, we will lift up great things happening in public schools. You can share what makes you public school proud here.

We have to stand up, speak up, show up and vote for a better life. None of us can do everything, but we all can do something. So join us this Labor Day as we fight for a better future. Together, we can reclaim the promise of America and build a better future for working people.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President