AFT-Speeches

This area of the Reuther's Web site currently encompasses approximately 300, fully transcribed, speeches delivered between 1965 and 1996 by American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President's Charlie Cogen, David Selden and Albert Shanker. The speeches are organized chronologically by date. Please contact Dan Golodner for project details.

Rally for Jobs

President Shanker expresses his views on labor, and unemployment. He says that unemployment makes bad economic sense and that instead of funding that, the government should fund more jobs to employ people instead.

Size: 
3 Pages
Date: 
1975-04-26

Statement on the Child and Family Services Act of 1975

Al Shanker comments before the the Senate Sub-Committee on Children and Youth and the House Subcommittee on Special Education Programs on proposed bills S. 626 and H.R. 2966, legislation that would establish a national daycare plan. Shanker disagrees with the approaches outlined in the bills. Instead, Shanker believes that such a plan should be run through the public school system. He outlines a number of reasons why the schools are the appropriate vehicle for this vital service.

Location: 
Washington, D.C.
Size: 
18 pages
Date: 
1975-06-05

Statement: Sub-Committee on Economic Stabilization of the House Committee on Banking and Currency on the Crisis in New York City

Al Shanker discusses the current economic crisis in New York City. He states that much of the blame lies with the federal government for its poor policies toward New York City and for the fact that percentage wise New York City gets less federal funding than other cities and states in the country. Shanker urges the House to pass a bill to help right the situation by creating public employment opportunities.

Location: 
Washington, D.C.
Size: 
8 pages
Date: 
1975-10-28

Reply to the Allan Stang Report

This is Shanker’s rebuttal to Allen Stang’s comments on the Child and Family Services Act of 1975.

Size: 
6 Pages
Date: 
1975-11-12

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT): "Keep the Clock"

In this speech, Al Shanker addresses the difficult budget situation facing New York at the time. He talks about various bills in the legislature that might help the economic situation. He also talks about the NYSUT's organization and strength. He praises the staff, and he urges the members to remain loyal to the NYSUT rather than go over to the NEA. He states that a consolidated union will be more effective.

Location: 
New York, NY
Size: 
16 pages
Date: 
1976-03-06