Concerns About Teachers Union Using Pensions for Political Goals
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second-largest teachers union in the U.S., might be leveraging pension funds to further its political objectives, according to a report from an educational watchdog.
In a letter to acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, Consumers’ Research points out that AFT is actively promoting fossil fuel divestments, DEI-related boycotts, and other pressure tactics. The group urges an investigation into whether the AFT is encouraging public pension trustees to exceed their fiduciary responsibilities in support of the union’s agenda.
Millions of educators depend on public pension fiduciaries for their retirement. While AFT doesn’t directly manage pension funds, more than 50 trustees affiliated with AFT oversee 27 public pension funds, as noted in the letter.
The AFT has not yet replied to requests for comments.
Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, expressed concerns about how AFT President Randi Weingarten is focusing on “woke agendas” at the potential cost of educators’ retirement savings. He stated that Weingarten is driving boycotts against companies like fossil fuel producers and firearm retailers—even if these actions could harm pensioners.
For instance, the AFT called for a boycott of Target in August for what they viewed as a reduction in commitments to diversity and investment in Black-owned businesses. They had previously initiated a boycott due to the company’s response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence in their community.
According to Weingarten, public pension funds hold nearly 7 million shares in Target.
Additionally, the AFT has encouraged public retirement systems like the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York to divest from fossil fuel companies and reinvest in workers and communities.
Hild emphasized the need for the Department of Labor to examine whether AFT’s activist agenda compromises the interests of the teachers and retirees it claims to represent.
Furthermore, the American Parents Coalition (APC), a group advocating for parental rights, has also accused unions like AFT of exerting undue influence on educational institutions.
APC Executive Director Alleigh Marré remarked that Weingarten seems more focused on advancing a radical political agenda instead of prioritizing the welfare of children. She noted that parents have seen firsthand how Weingarten has used AFT as a political tool, pushing activist curricula and prolonging school closures, which has led to significant learning losses. Marré urged that organizations like AFT should prioritize the needs of children, parents, and educators over radical ideologies.
