HOUSTON—The 2024 AFT biennial convention may prove to be historic. While our delegates were flying to Houston July 21, word came that President Biden was vacating his re-election bid. Four days later, VP Kamala Harris, fresh off announcing her intent to be the nominee, took to the convention stage. It's possible we were witness to one of the first campaign speeches by the first woman to become president of the United States.
In a special order of business on Day 1, the AFT moved to endorse Harris for president, and in doing so, delivered her first union endorsement. On Day 2, AFT President Randi Weingarten announced Harris would be the keynote speaker on Day 4. See a recap of the vice president's appearance.
Several dozen resolutions would go before the body to help shape the agenda of the AFT, which now has 1.8 million members, for the next two years. Delegates spent much of Day 1 split into divisional groups and then committees to prioritize with resolutions to bring to the convention floor.
Among them was "Responding To Healthcare Workers Moral Injury, Mental Health And Well-Being Needs," from the RNs/Healthcare Workers Committee, where first-time delegate Randi Schiavi, one of our ICU nurses, found herself. She would later speak to the resolution on the convention floor:
“As a first-time delegate, it felt intimidating to weigh in when there are so many there with so much to offer,” Randi says. “But the union is a community that embraces the courageous, and makes room for the new. Individuals and locals alike were quick to offer words of encouragement, bridge knowledge gaps and mentor as newcomers involved themselves and learned the process of elevating and advocating for the causes in our communities. The message was clear: here, you have a voice, use it, and we will listen.”
Randi also, along with President Bill Garrity, 1st VP Shawn Brown, stood with other AFT Connecticut activists as AFT CT President Jan Hochadel and VP John Brady spoke to the importance of the AFT's Cod Red campaign to support health care workers and their patients.
From the Labor and the Economy Committee, VP for Communication Chris DeFrancesco spoke to the resolution "Fighting The Harmful Impacts of Private Equity on our Economy, Public Pension Funds and Healthcare System":
Among those on an impressive list of guest speakers throughout the week as Unite Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who, referring to Election Day 2024, told us, "This is our generation's defining moment."
Other guest speakers included labor and civil rights champion Delores Heurta, Federal Trade Commissioner Lina Khan, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra, Chicago Mayor and former Chicago Teachers Union member and organizer Brandon Johnson, and Abbey Clements, co-founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence and survivor of the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
“I really enjoyed my experience in Houston,” says first-time delegate Meg Bartos. “I thought I knew what the union was about because of my involvement with UHP. Since being here, I have learned how much more AFT does for us, and others, on a national level.”
Weingarten and her leadership team, which includes Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick C. Ingram, Executive VP Evelyn DeJesus, were re-elected to another two-year term. Hochadel was re-elected as one of more than 40 vice presidents.
“I enjoyed the experience of listening to other people's point of views personally and politically,” says first-time delegate Amy Moffo. “I’m engaged in making decisions for my future and the future of my children and their children! I had the opportunity to be part of history in the making!”
The AFT's complete recap of the convention includes videos, photos, and all the resolutions passed.
Bill also served as a sergeant-at-arms at the convention, and saw additional duty during the heightened security for Harris' visit.
Chief Steward Jean Morningstar ended up on local television, interviewed about Harris' appearance. See the story as it ran on KHOU-11.
The AFT's next biennial convention will be in July 2026, in Washington, D.C. UHP members who are interested in attending will have the opportunity to run for a delegate position. Nominations historically have been due by early February. Members must be in good standing in order to run for convention delegate, as well as any officer position.
“I hope that if someone has the desire to see change happen, or make a difference, that they take opportunities to participate in our union at any level, and in any capacity,” Randi (Schiavi) says. “When you’re in a union, you’re not alone with your voice. You are being echoed by dozens, hundreds, thousands and millions. You become difficult to ignore and bully. Unions are the allyship we all need, and is the vehicle for change with a seat for everyone.”
Read more of Randi's reflection on her first delegate experience.
Our 2024 AFT convention delegates
- Robin Addison
- Elizabeth Barrientos
- Meg Bartos
- Isolde Bates
- Shawn Brown
- Jessie Carlson
- Alyssa D'Ostilio
- Chris DeFrancesco
- Laura Didden
- Elizabeth Figueroa
- Bill Garrity
- Christine Judd
- Summer Lambert
- Pierre Lepage
- Amy Moffo
- Jean Morningstar
- Marsha Murray
- Michelle Proper
- Robin Roark
- Jozii Ruiz
- Randi Schiavi
- Connie Simons
- Quamanic St. Pierre
- Dawn Thomas
- Rich Vance
See this video from AFT CT featuring Connecticut activists participating in activities and speaking out during the four-day event: