We are the Baltimore Teachers Union Progressive Caucus! The BTU Progressive Caucus is a Chapter of the American Federation of Teachers Progressive Caucus.
THE PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS is ..... democratic unionism.
Our caucus is centered on the strong democratic traditions of the AFT and has been the cornerstone of our union's commitment to democracy since 1935. Our caucus democratically decides who will be our national candidates. We are proud that our union's elected officials have their roots in our Progressive Caucus. Our caucus also sets our agenda -- we select our issues, debate them and decide.
Together we construct the caucus platform.
THE PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS is ..... progressive.
We are dedicated to empowering and expanding great public education and the rights of teachers, professors and paraprofessional/school related personnel. We also stand for patient and caregiver voices and genuine access for all to a higher level health care. Finally, our citizenry deserves high quality services from our public servants whose dedication is widely recognized and respected. We actively:
1. Improve the lives of all working families;
2. Enhance the services we deliver to students, parents, patients and the citizenry;
3. Combat repressive, anti-worker legislation;
4. Stand up to discrimination, as it undermines a democratic civil society;
5. Review our national union's goals, methods and priorities;
6. Expand the scope and reach of collective bargaining victories;
7. Support workers everywhere in our struggle for workplace recognition and voice;
8. Safeguard employment due process rights for public and private sector workers.
THE PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS is ..... action-oriented.
The caucus supports union candidates and measures which promote our goals. We develop:
1. Effective support and assistance for new locals and and new members;
2. Mobilization efforts to underscore the actions of established local and state federations;
3. Unity behind our AFT leadership on critical local, state and national issues;
4. Real relationships with communities;
5. Exceptional leadership at the Executive Council.
The Progressive Caucus respectfully and actively seeks your membership. Only by working together can we develop the best solutions to the challenges our members and our communities confront every day.
Progressive Caucus of the American Federation of Teachers
Progressive Caucus is a separate caucus and is not the union itself.