[Leaning Right]

> Weingarten was re-elected to lead the AFT in July, making it her eighth term as AFT president. <

I was an involuntary member of the AFT for decades. Ordinary AFT members are not allowed to vote for state or national leaders. So I never once got the chance to vote for or against Weingarten.

All of the top AFT leaders are chosen by delegates at a convention. These delegates are chosen at the local level. The local bosses run a hand-picked slate of toadies. In all my years in the union I only knew of maybe two people who were able to break the slate. Lots of funny business going on there.

It is sadly ironic. The AFT constantly preaches democracy. But it itself is a VERY undemocratic organization.

[marktwain]

I was an involuntary member of the AFT for decades. Ordinary AFT members are not allowed to vote for state or national leaders. So I never once got the chance to vote for or against Weingarten.

All of the top AFT leaders are chosen by delegates at a convention. These delegates are chosen at the local level. The local bosses run a hand-picked slate of toadies. In all my years in the union I only knew of maybe two people who were able to break the slate. Lots of funny business going on there.

It is sadly ironic. The AFT constantly preaches democracy. But it itself is a VERY undemocratic organization.

In other words, it is run much like the Soviet Politiburo.

Thank you so much for posting this.

I suspected it, but did not know the specifics. It is much the same in many Unions.