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.
Student Podcast
Challenge
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.
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.
2026 Local 943 winners!
2026 Local 943 winners!
Lincoln-Way Central High School graduate, Hailey Coennen, has been named the recipient of our Local 943 scholarship and comes from a long line of women dedicated to education. Her mother, Jennifer is a teacher at D123. Hailey is a student whose goals and values strongly align with the principles of dedication, determination, and fairness represented by Local 943. She plans to pursue computer engineering with a focus on embedded systems, emphasizing perseverance, personal growth, and a commitment to overcoming challenges throughout college and beyond. Her desire is to use technology to create accessibility and opportunity. Hailey explains how embedded systems influence healthcare, communication, and infrastructure, and expresses a desire to design reliable, affordable technology that benefits underserved communities. Her perspective goes beyond technical achievement by stressing empathy, inclusion, and responsible innovation. Congratulations and best wishes to Hailey!
Congratulations to Lockport Township High School graduate Caleigh Morgan! She has been chosen as the recipient of Local 943’s scholarship. Caleigh aspires to become a Registered Nurse who advocates for equitable, compassionate healthcare for all patients regardless of background or identity. She values the principles upheld by labor unions, including advocacy, democracy, diversity, and economic opportunity, and sees nursing as a profession that reflects those ideals through patient advocacy, teamwork, and community support. Caleigh hopes to contribute to a strong and sustainable healthcare system while continuing her education, growing professionally, and making a positive impact on her community through dedication, cultural awareness, and resilience. Caleigh’s mother Carla is a teacher from OSD 135 and is extremely proud of all her daughter’s accomplishments. Congratulations to Caleigh!
Union Plus Scholarship -- Deadline January 31, 2026 Expired
Award amounts: $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2026. Students may re-apply each year.
Chicago Federation of Labor William A. Lee Memorial Academic Competition ScholarshipChicago Federation of Labor William A. Lee Memorial Random Draw Scholarship
Deadline for both February 20, 2026 Expired
Each year, the Chicago Federation of Labor awards 10 William A. Lee Memorial Scholarships to high school seniors, five to the winners of the Academic Competition, and five to the winners of the Random Drawing. Students are not eligible to enter both categories.APPLICANTS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER BOTH CATEGORIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
IFT Carl J. Megel Scholarship -- Deadline February 28, 2026 Expired
In 2026, the IFT will award one $20,000 Megel scholarship ($5,000 each year for four years) to a deserving high school senior who is enrolled in a special education school, class, or program for students with disabilities.
IFT Robert G. Porter Scholarship -- Deadline March 6, 2026 Expired
The Illinois Federation of Teachers shall provide annually two $20,000 scholarship awards ($5,000 each year for four years) to current high school seniors with no less than a cumulative "B" grade average.
AFT Local 943 2026 Scholarship
-- Deadline April 2, 2026 Expired