There is power in a union.
As a union, we're able to win improvements and higher standards in our workplaces, in our school districts, and in our communities.
Our strength in numbers gives us the power to protect our rights and advocate for quality public education, higher education, and public services.
What are the benefits of belonging?
A Voice at Work
Our strength in numbers gives us the power to protect our rights and advocate for quality public education, higher education, and public services.
What are the benefits of belonging?
A Voice at Work
- Input in forming contract proposals on wages, benefits, working conditions, and more.
- Eligibility to attend negotiations and serve on Bargaining Committee.
- Vote on ratifying collective bargaining contracts.
- Support from an OFT Field Coordinator, including advice, assistance, and representation on professional issues and grievances.
- Participate in union meetings and events.
- Eligibility to run for union office and vote in union elections.
- Opportunities for training in organizing, negotiating, leading professional development, and other union leadership skills.
- The collective strength of affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers (1.7 million members nationwide) and the AFL-CIO (more than 12 million members nationwide).
- Opportunities to be a leader in your communities through AFT's workwith First Book, Make-A-Wish, and other community partners.
- Ability to join with your co-workers to influence public policy in your school district, in your community, and throughout Ohio.
- Grievance process to resolve issues involving unjust discipline and other workplace disputes.
- $1 million professional liability insurance.
- Access to OFT and AFT legal defense.
- Militancy Fund, to provide financial support if you and your co-workers vote to go on strike.
- Research-based professional development through AFT's Educational Research and Dissemination (ER&D) program. ER&D courses may qualify you for continuing education credits.
- Access to student debt clinics to learn how to reduce your debt and become eligible for loan forgiveness. Free membership for meetsummer.org, an online resource to manage and simplify student debt.
- Innovative professional resources, including AFT's sharemylesson.org
