President Tim Fedenko attended the Executive Leadership Training in Washington, D.C. and met with AFT President Randi Weingarten and other local union presidents.  President Fedenko received great information from the training that he will be implementing in GFT.  President Weingarten discussed a Solution-Driven Unionism strategy, an approach to unionism that focuses on solving problems for our members and the community.  At the President Weingarten also reinforced AFT’s mission:

“The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity’ and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities.  We are committed to advancing these principles through community, engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.”

President Weingarten has acknowledged that she is aware of GFT’s activities and is in full support of the Union’s activities.  The Leadership Training came in good timing with GFT’s 6th Annual Convention held on March 16th which focused on Community-driven Unionism.  GFT will be focusing on building community support so we can provide solutions to fixing our education, public safety, and healthcare which correlates to President Weingarten’s Solution-driven strategy.