AFT Leaders to rally In Yakima for democracy

The following is from AFT Washington: 

RENTON, WA (September 19, 2024) — AFT Washington will be holding a rally for democracy and election activity in Yakima on Sunday, September 22nd at noon, as part of the AFT’s 20-state #AFTvotes – Real Solutions For A Better Life bus tour. Leaders of the 1.8 million-member AFT are touring the country to get out the vote and highlight the pivotal issues facing the United States in November. In Yakima, the tour stop will include a rally with speakers Randi Weingarten, President of the AFT, Evelyn DeJesus, Executive Vice President of the AFT, April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and several local and community leaders. Details are still being finalized. 

“The issues that AFT is highlighting with this bus tour – economic and educational opportunity for all, broad-based freedom, and strengthening our voices at work and in our democracy – are exactly the opportunities and challenges facing our community in Yakima. A historic redistricting has given the majority-Latino/a community a stronger voice in Washington, and we are excited to play a part in increasing the true representation of the community. The stakes in this election are high – nationally and locally – and our members and community partners are committed to investing our time and energy into winning at the ballot box!” said Karen Strickland, President of AFT Washington.

Speakers will drive home the existential stakes of this year’s election for freedom, democracy, economic progress—and the ability of working people and unions to organize for a greater share of the pie. Washington’s ballots will drop in mid-October, so the time to get out the vote – the time to exercise our civic right and duty to vote – is now.

The AFT and its affiliates recognize the pivotal role union members will play in this election. AFT has over 600,000 members in battleground states, and many other states have significant issues on their ballots, such as the four initiatives on Washington state’s ballot this election. Union members have the ability to make big strides towards a more just future in this election.

AFT Washington, AFL-CIO represents 6,500 education employees in Head Start, preK-12, and higher education throughout Washington State. AFT Washington is affiliated with the 1.8-million-member American Federation of Teachers. Learn more.