(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has released the following statement on the American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) Shop Smart, Support Working Families Campaign:

Around the country, millions of Working Families are preparing for another Back-to-School season.

While kids say goodbye to Summer break, countless Educators, Support Staff, Bus Operators and other dedicated Essential Workers who maintain facilities, serve food in cafeterias, provide first aid, handle important administrative duties, manage libraries, offer counseling services and more are also preparing for the new academic year.

Strong Collective Bargaining Agreements are the backbone of our Schools across every department.

Job security protections, contractual raises, quality health care coverage and fair grievance processes ensure that the people who educate and care for our kids are treated with the dignity and respect they are owed.

So, as you do your back-to-school shopping and prepare for another year of book reports and science experiments, remember to thank the Union Members who make our Education System run.

WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: Visit ShopSmart.AFT.org For More Information.