AFT-Speeches

In this speech, Selden promotes the teaching profession as a profession that should unionize. He also talks about "defects" that the American Federation of Teachers seeks to correct in the profession.

Defects include:
1. undue influence by administrator members
2. lack of effectiveness in dealing with the social power structure

Selden explains why the American Federation of Teachers keeps their strong affilation with the AFL-CIO. He addresses why the AFT and NEA could never be merged as one.

Selden talks about the need for a consistant policy on work stoppages when it comes to collective bargaining and teacher strikes. He mentions ten AFT strikes that happened between the years 1964-1966. These are as follows: East St. Louis, IL, Pawtucket RI, Louisville KY, Hamtramck MI, South Bend IN, Perth Amboy NJ, Newark NJ, New Orleans LA, Plainview NY (Long Island), and Thornton Township IL.

Cogen expresses AFT's views on Collective Bargaining and making sure that teachers are getting all of the rights and priviledges given to any other group of Public Employees.

Cogen talks about the important role that Local 189 can play in the development and growth of the American Federation of Teachers.