Three women rise to the top of AFT union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-05-26-women-teachers-union_N.htm

By Greg Toppo, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton's bid to become the first female U.S. president could falter, but another milestone for women probably will fall into place this summer with little fanfare: Three women are slated to become the first to run a major labor union.

Delegates to the American Federation of Teachers' biennial meeting here in July are expected to elect Randi Weingarten their new president, along with two other longtime AFT officials: Antonia Cortese and Lorretta Johnson as secretary-treasurer and executive vice president, respectively.

The three announced their candidacy last week at a small, private event for top union officials.

"It's powerful because these are three knowledgeable women," says Marietta English, president of the Baltimore Teachers Union. "This is the year for women. I'm excited."

With more than 1.4 million members, AFT is one of the largest unions in the USA and its second-largest teachers union, behind the National Education Association (NEA), which has more than 3 million members. Unlike its rival, AFT represents many big-city teachers and is a member of the AFL-CIO.

As president of the United Federation of Teachers, New York City's local union, Weingarten, 50, is probably better acquainted with big-city labor issues than anyone in the USA.

FULL story at link.