Union Talk

Latest Episodes:

Shining a Light on the Harms of Vouchers Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten talks with a Florida parent, a Texas educator and union leader, and a legal expert and advocate about the harms vouchers have on students, schools and communities. Hear directly from those experiencing vouchers in their communities and states about how these voucher schemes have diverted money away from public schools, mostly serve wealthy parents and students who already attend private schools, blow up budgets and fail to help kids. You'll also hear more about President Trump's national voucher scheme that he included in his so-called Big Beautiful Bill, what it could mean for schools in your state, and what we can do to strengthen, not abandon, public education.

Building Our Power to Create a Better Future Jul 24, 2026

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On this episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten shares her speech from the recent AFT convention, in which she lays out a path forward for how AFT members and working people can build our power to create a better future for all. Weingarten details how working people can fight the chaos, corruption and cruelty of the Trump administration by harnessing the power of the people. And she explains how AFT members can get involved in the union's most ambitious election program ever to elect candidates from statehouses to Congress who will act on an agenda to help achieve the America we dream of: An America where everyone has opportunity and economic security. An America where everyone's dignity and freedoms are respected. And an America whose democracy not only endures but finally lives up to its noble ideals.

Devices-Down, Eyes-Up, Hands-On Jun 04, 2026

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Live from the National Press Club, this episode of Union Talk features AFT President Randi Weingarten's major speech laying out a new vision for how America can boost teaching and learning in the era of artificial intelligence. Its "devices-down, eyes-up, hands-on" strategy for teaching and learning focused on 10 points that address the wave of technology in our schools, while leaning into strategies that engage kids and set them up for success no matter what the future holds. Weingarten shares how she drew on many of the conversations she's had on the podcast and in schools and communities across the country while developing the agenda.

Tackling America's Affordability Crisis Mar 26, 2026

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Working people are being squeezed from every direction and finding it harder and harder to afford the basics. In this episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten talks with two AFT members about how rising costs are affecting them, their families, and the students and families they serve. They unpack the results of a recent survey of more than 7,500 AFT members that found 74 percent report living month to month, paycheck to paycheck. And they discuss both the tools the union is providing members to help them navigate debt and affordability issues, and what the AFT is fighting for at the bargaining table, in Congress and by holding corporations accountable to address the affordability crisis and help working people thrive.

Unpacking the Harvard Youth Poll with Gen Z Feb 02, 2026

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On this episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten unpacks the results of the latest Harvard Youth Poll with Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics polling director John Della Volpe and two Gen Z AFT members who share how the results line up with their own personal experiences. The poll results underscore the instability that young Americans feel about the economy, massive technological changes, our politics, and their deep hunger for change and connection. Zac Coe, a math teacher in Virginia, and Madison Eckhart, a nurse in Alaska, connect these results to their work and lives. The guests discuss the changes young people are seeking to build a better future and ensure they have economic and political agency.

A Transformational Approach to Public Education in Rural America Dec 18, 2025

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Take a trip to a rural corner of southeast Ohio, where New Lexington schools are unlocking real opportunity for students and offering a blueprint for relevant and engaging public schools that meet the needs of local communities. On this episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten talks with educators and a student about how New Lexington's approach to hands-on learning, career exploration, and student well-being is driving student engagement, providing students real ownership over their futures and breathing new life into a rural community deep in Appalachia.

Taking on Trump on Student Debt—and Winning Nov 06, 2025

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For months, the Trump administration has illegally blocked people from accessing student debt relief they are entitled to. The AFT took President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to court for their student loan lawlessness—and won! In this episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten discusses what this court victory means for borrowers, how people can access relief, and the union's continued fight to get people debt relief and make college affordable for all. Weingarten is joined by Protect Borrowers Legal Director Winston Berkman-Breen to review the impact of the case. She is also joined by two AFT members who were caught in the Trump administration's web of confusion and chaos on student debt: Corey Mason, a teacher in Connecticut, who finally got her debt forgiven after fighting for it with her union, and Stephanie Solis, a nurse in Ohio, who is still fighting for the relief she's entitled to.

Healthcare Under Attack. Nurses Share the Impacts of Trump's Government Shutdown Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

AFT President Randi Weingarten is joined by three nurses to take us to the frontlines of the Trump and congressional Republican government shutdown. They share how the shutdown and continued attacks on healthcare are impacting them, their patients and their communities. Without action, millions of Americans will lose healthcare, hospitals will close, and premiums will skyrocket. The nurses take us inside their hospitals to talk about the real-life impacts of the decisions by the president and congressional Republicans to shut down the government rather than fix healthcare for Americans.

A Back-to-School Season Like No Other Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

AFT President Randi Weingarten talks to educators about their aspirations and anxieties as they enter a new school year. This is a back-to-school period like no other, fueled by anxieties over historic federal cuts, raids tearing children and families apart, city occupations, and fears about the future of our country. Weingarten and educators discuss how this is impacting schools and students and how educators continue to show up to teach, support, nurture and help students reach their dreams.

The Big Betrayal Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

AFT President Randi Weingarten unpacks the dangers for working people in the big, ugly bill being pushed through Congress by President Donald Trump and Republicans. The bill would affect nearly every family in America through horrific cuts to healthcare, education and critical services to fund tax breaks for the rich. Weingarten is joined by Alaska nurse Shannon Davenport, Connecticut nurse Heather Brauth and Virginia educator Laquetta Mackey to discuss how this bill will hurt patients, kids and our communities and what we can do to stop it from becoming law.

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