BENEFITS
The members of the AFT 943 have many opportunities to benefit from their union membership, including benefits through our affiliation with the AFT, the IFT, and other organizations–such as the Chicago Federation of Labor.
Experienced Staff
AFT Local 943 staff are here to help you build power at your workplace, so that you and your coworkers can win the respect you deserve.
Grievance Help
AFT Local 943 provides experienced, professional assistance in grievances, job evaluations, arbitrations, and other work-related problems.
Legal Services
AFT Local 943 provides qualified lawyers to handle work-related injury cases and attorneys to handle labor board cases and arbitrations.
Communications
AFT Local 943 keeps union members up to date through our website and social media channels.
The IFT provides you with support at your workplace, but it also offers you and your family money savings on high-quality consumer benefits and services.

AFT Member Benefits give you a rich array of discounts, services and benefits that go beyond the workplace. Many of these programs are available to family members, too.
JOP OPPORTUNITIES
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available every year for both Local 943 members and/or their dependents. Listed below are links to pages with more information about these scholarships.
AFT Local 943 Scholarship* -- Deadline April 3, 2025
Every year the Southwest Suburban Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 943 awards two scholarships in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) each.
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*If you would like to be a scholarship judge for Local 943 this year, please email kodea@ift-aft.org for more information.
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2024 winners​​​​​
Congratulations to Richards High School graduate Julia Stalzer! She has been chosen as the recipient of Local 943's scholarship to pursue her passion for design and architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Julia comes from a long line of proud union members, including her mother who is a member of Local 943 and works at Hannum Elementary School. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping her achieve her dream career and contribute to a healthier future. Julia plans to major in Industrial Design with a minor in Photography. Her focus is on sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices. She envisions using her skills to create affordable housing structures that benefit both the community and the environment, fostering a more stable and healthy future. This scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of Julia's dedication and ambition. We're excited to see how her talents and commitment to sustainability make a positive impact in the world of design and architecture.
Victor J. Andrew High School graduate Kaitlyn Kirk has been awarded a scholarship from Local 943 to fuel her passion for advocating for the deaf community. Kaitlyn's dedication to this cause stems from her close friendships with deaf individuals who faced challenges in school. Inspired by their experiences, she aspires to become an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and work within the education system. Much like the way unions fight for the stability and security of their members, Kaitlyn aspires to create a secure and supported environment for the deaf community. Her mother, Michelle Kirk, a Local 943 member at Wentworth Jr. High, exemplifies a similar commitment to service. This scholarship will empower Kaitlyn as she takes the first step towards her dream. She plans to attend Morraine Valley Community College in the fall, continuing on to Columbia University. Her hard work and determination are a testament to her unwavering spirit, making her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.