What Members Say About Central Alabama AFT

Alexander Shunnarah sued me. I was scared to death. My AFT rep immediately put me in touch with the AFT lawyer who walked me through the preliminary proceedings. He stayed in touch with me until it was resolved. There is no way I could have done this by myself. Every school employee needs AFT.—CB

I am a veteran teacher. I thought I’d never need a union, and I didn’t join one for many years. A co-worker finally convinced me to give it a try. That was the best decision I ever made! That year a student made an accusation against me. AFT provided me with an attorney that very afternoon and those false claims, which could have put me on the 6 o’clock news, never made it out of the principal’s office. —KM

I joined the AFT’s Teacher Leader Program and not only earned 54 PD hours; I learned how to influence education policy, advocate for our profession, and I got a $1,500 stipend! - TH 

I attended AFT's student debt clinic and learned so much.  Taking what I learned I was able to reduce my monthly payment.  I can finally see a path to moving out of my parents basement! --LP 

I have been a school custodian for
eleven years. After I made some changes to my insurance, payroll made mistakes with my paycheck. They wanted all the money back in two months and there was no way I could ever afford that. AFT worked out plan where I could make affordable payments over a period of time. I don’t know what would have happened without AFT. —WP

After my first year of teaching I was non-renewed.  I immediately contacted my AFT rep and stayed in touch with her all summer.  She got me several interviews and I was hired in a different district and have been there for five years now. She helped me find the "right fit" --EK

I work in the office of my school. I am currently taking advantage of the free associate degree offered through AFT. When I complete my degree next year I will move up on the pay scale and will get a nice raise! Thanks to my AFT membership I will pay nothing for my degree.—SB

I am taking advantage of the free college to earn an associate degree.  When I retire in a few years I will have the education to transition into a new career! -- LB

My daughter took advantage of the scholarship opportunities available through my AFT membership.  I could not believe it when she was awarded the Union Plus and the AOLAF scholarship in the same year.  It was a tremendous help with her college cost that year.. --SP

I was not adequately prepared for the expense of my son attending college.  His first year he applied for the AOLAF scholarship.  We were so excited when he won!  He applied and earned at least $1,000 each year he was in collage.  One year he was awarded $4,500. I encourage all AFT members to apply for the  scholarships. --DP

I was placed on administrative leave while the district investigated a baseless claim against me.  It was terrifying.  I was so glad I had an AFT rep who stood by me and helped me get all the paperwork I needed to clear my name and get back to work. --CK

I have been a member of AFT my entire teaching career. A friend recommended I join my first year and I have not regretted my choice.  My staff rep comes to my school regularly, she is easily accessible by phone or email and she always has the answer to my question. --JS