John,

Thank you to the AFT family for being part of the “No Kings” actions over the weekend. It was inspiring and historic. More than 7 million people, including AFT members and supporters across America, peacefully, powerfully stood up for democracy. No thrones, crowns or kings!

As a labor organization, we know the value of having a voice at work and a voice in our future. The same is true for our nation. “No Kings” was a day of action bringing people together from across the political spectrum—Democrats, Republicans and independents—to exercise our rights and protect the promise of America.

And we use that voice for our other fight—the fight for a better life for working people—for better wages, affordable healthcare and housing, accessible higher education and child care, good schools and a secure retirement.

Watch our “No Kings” highlight video here.

Americans want a president who will keep healthcare premiums from skyrocketing, bring down the cost of groceries and housing, strengthen public schools, make college affordable and embrace workers’ rights. We want a president who will spend time solving problems, not creating new ones.

We now call on the president and Republicans to negotiate a solution to their government shutdown—one that protects healthcare, lowers everyday costs, reopens the government and helps, rather than hurts, the American people.

Contact your members of Congress and tell them to fund the government, fix the healthcare crisis and put working people first.

If you have already contacted Congress, please send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to let them know how community members feel about the issue and what elected representatives can do to end the shutdown.

“No Kings” demonstrates that our movement is growing stronger each day, and I am inspired by the way we all showed up Saturday: peacefully and powerfully.

Thank you.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President