The Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) underwent a dramatic shift last year when the Unity Caucus lost to a slate of retirees who fought to defend our original Medicare coverage rather than accept a “disadvantage plan.” Unity has dominated the UFT since its founding, so this break was significant — and it opened new political space inside the chapter.
Introducing militant ideas
Our Party club meets collectively and in smaller sub-clubs, and comrades in these groups have been organizing steadily within the RTC to raise the level of struggle and bring communist ideas, as well as sharper, more militant ideas into the chapter. We helped form an anti fascist group within the RTC’s Labor Solidarity Committee, giving us a consistent presence on the executive board and at the monthly meetings, which draw a few hundred in person and close to a thousand on Zoom. Most importantly, we’ve attracted a core of retired teachers who want to confront fascism and imperialism directly. We meet regularly and publish a newsletter that advances both the practical and ideological struggle inside the RTC.
We’ve had the greatest success at the general meetings and through the anti fascist committee. Our resolutions—including one addressing the growing fascist threat in the U.S.—have passed overwhelmingly, often with more than 80 percent support. Yet, as is often the case, the current RTC leadership remains timid. They “understand” the world situation but lack confidence that the membership can grasp the ideas and language needed to explain what so many people already feel. The terms that have sparked the most “controversy” are fascism and imperialism.
Liberal union bosses try quelling antifascist language
Our committee collectively drafted a resolution opposing the imperialist war in Iran. When our members and allies presented it to the executive board, it was rejected because it used the word imperialism. The board substituted a watered down version, but even so, the RTC is now officially on record opposing the war—and that resolution also passed with well over 80 percent support.
Our newsletter has been especially well received. Each issue features a conversation between two retired teachers debating the political questions of the moment. This month’s discussion focused on why terms like imperialism and fascism are essential for understanding world events, not rhetorical flourishes to be avoided.
Our work in the RTC produces small but meaningful gains. Two members of our anti fascist committee helped distribute the newsletter to everyone entering the meeting hall. We’ve also circulated CHALLENGE to much of our growing base. Many RTC members marched in the No Kings rally, and were joined by PL’ers there with a banner calling for resistance to rising fascism and to the imperialist war in Iran. Step by step, through patience and consistent struggle, we are making progress.
The Party still has a long road ahead before we have the forces necessary to mount a communist revolution. But right now, we can have a real impact on both the practical and ideological struggle by bringing communist ideas to the working class. Once grasped, these ideas become a powerful force for change and ultimately communist revolution.
