A Union is as simple as this: it's people in a workplace, coming together to improve their lives through collective action. Unions exist in all types of industries and in every state in the country. Unions exist to redirect the power imbalance between an employer and employees like yourself. The basic idea is, "Power in numbers!" Your union is a change agent working to transform the nature of the workplace for members, FCPS employees, students and families. Fairfax County Federation of Teachers is an affiliate of AFT—a national union with 1.8 million members. Through your AFT union, you can come together with your fellow educators and advocate around issues that affect you and your job, including wages, benefits, and working conditions. When we come together, we have power to change our situation! FCFT hires staff to help members with everyday workplace issues, advise members who are being treated unfairly, and bring educators together to advocate to administrators, School Board members and other elected officials. Your fellow union members are fighting for you and your right to have a say. Strength in Numbers - Union members organize for improvements as a group, instead of as individuals. When we work together, this collective force translates into the power to make changes in your school for the better.​Protection and Support - If your workplace rights are violated, or you're being treated unfairly, staff will be able to guide you on the best course of action. You're never in this alone.Respect - Union educators join, not because we’re against our employer, but because we love our profession and our kids. We know that the best way to ensure that passion is respected is to join with our co-workers and stand together. For more, please see our Who We Are page.