In July, 2008 the American Federation of Teachers held its convention in Chicago. Present there was the national a rank-and-file teachers group, the Peace and Justice Caucus . Their work at the Convention was to promote resolutions on peace, immigrants rights, support of Puerto Rican teachers, and other issues. This video explores aspects of their work, as well as issues raised by Chicago rank-and-file teachers concerned with the actions of Chicago Teachers Union President Marilyn Stewart, co-chair of the convention and AFT Vice President. Stewart had invited Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan, who had eliminated many teachers' jobs and closed schools, to speak at the convention, while she was trying to fire her CTU Vice President, who was elected to that position by the membership. The P&J Caucus also protested that the convention was opened by military student color guard with guns. Scenes and interviews. 28 minutes. Produced by Labor Beat, the Chicago-based labor tv series. Labor Beat is a CAN TV Community Partner. Labor Beat is affiliated with IBEW 1220. Views expressed are those of the producer, not necessarily of IBEW. For info: mail@laborbeat.org, www.laborbeat.org. 312-226-3330.
