"We are taking care, we are fighting, we are standing together and we are choosing" – with this sparkle and slogan was held the congress of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Pittsburgh, the US state of Pennsylvania. More than 7000 representatives of education sphere, technical staff (nanny) and public servants from educational institutions under health care participated in the congress.

In response to the actions taken against the trade union movement by the US Supreme Court (AFSCME) and the representatives of the ruling party, the Congress of the Federation of American Teachers (AFT) laid the groundwork for strengthening the trade union movement. In the course of the congress, the main tasks were the involvement of members to ensure democracy, protection of trade union values ​​and activation of activities at all levels.

AFT President Randi Weingarten called on delegates and members of millions of seven thousand member organizations to be more active and engaged. "For the protection of democracy and social justice, the trade union movement must be stronger," - the AFT president said.

The trade unions are fighting for democracy

"The situation is unfavorable. I will not be silent and you cannot put up with the situation ... In this most critical moment, we must defend democracy together ... We must balance the democratic processes in order to ensure that the society is safe, stable and secure," - said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

"The US Employee Movement is a driving force for the country's democracy protection. Authoritarian governments always attack trade unionists and try to express their basic democracy, since the trade unions are the main force for fighting democracy. Authoritarian governments know that the strength of the working people is in numbers and the people are strong when they create strong trade unions ..." - said AFT President.

"The created situation has further strengthened the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The number of AFT members is growing day by day and the organization has added 530,000 members, which is an unprecedented event in the history of the AFT. The American Federation of Teachers has already joined 1 755,000 members," - the AFT president informed the delegates.

"I'm tired, because politicians dictate me what to do in the classroom"

The actions against trade unions and the deterioration of working conditions in different fields enabled the AFT-300 members to engage in politics to become part of the changes themselves.

"I'm tired of the fact that politicians dictate what we should do in the classroom. It's enough that they promise better salaries, objective assessment systems and more autonomy, but they do not do this," - said Joan Lopez from Orlando.

"I do not want to demand attention from the people we have chosen. In response, I decided to take their places and I also recommend you the same. Teachers should move on ... to mobilize more community and population, to make our teachers elected and defend our professional dignity," - she said.

International challenges, international solidarity

One of the important directions of the congress was to hold a dialogue with leaders of the trade union movement around the world about threats and challenges against human rights and democratic society.

The international delegation was hosted by the Pittsburgh Education School. The international dialogue was moderated by David Edwards, Secretary General of the "Education International" (EI).

The participants of the international dialogue were welcomed by the AFT president Randy Weingarten. He emphasized the role of general education, public services and trade unions in human rights and global solidarity.

"When nationalism, xenophobia, racism, democratic institutions and free press attacks are being activated, people are being dismissed from work, science is ignored, we believe that our strong voice is necessary for our professional autonomy. All of you, world-wide, play your role. We protect all our main values ​​from our classrooms, trade unions, streets and polling stations. We will not stop, we will stand together and protect our social justice for our pupils, schools and the public," - said David Edwards, Secretary General of Education International.

In this period it is not easy to be a representative of the education sphere or trade union

Hillary Clinton, Senator Mayel Isabet Varen and Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the participants of the congress among other outstanding guests.

Hillary Clinton has been awarded the AFT Women's Rights Protection Award. "Continue the protest, talk about general education and fight against arms," -​​Hillary Clinton addressed delegates of the congress.

"We are obliged to be right, and the reason and the facts give us the factual circumstances .... Give more education to our future citizens and take care of them at every level. Let's stand together for America and to support that every child will have global education and a variety of opportunities," - Hillary Clinton said.

Senator Varen said that despite the political landscape, she is enthusiastic about the representatives of the education sector, because they are fighting for the future and the organization is like an American Federation of Teachers (AFT) stands by them in this fight.

"You do not have the right to make mistakes, trade unions are creating middle class and trade unions build the American middle class." – senator addressed the delegates.

"... In this period it is not easy to be a representative of the education sphere or trade union ... But if we fight together, if we give our generations a quality education, we will be organized, we will be courageous and united, then I doubt that we will win and build beautiful future of our country," - Senator Sanders told delegates.

The 85th congress of the AFT unanimously elected Randy Weingarten for the next term.

The Delegates adopted resolutions on issues such as collective action for providing general education, increasing education financing, improving student debts, creating a better health system for employees and other topical issues.

The congress was attended by the leaders of different trade unions to express unity and support. Among them were AFSCME President Lee Sanders; NEA President Lilies Kelsongarcia, SEIU President Mary Kay Henry. They expressed their solidarity, readiness and competence to protect all employees' interests.   ,