Overview
- The American Federation of Teachers launched a “Shop Smart, Support Working Families” campaign and a website that encourages people to shop at retailers other than Target because Target did not publicly condemn recent ICE enforcement in Minneapolis.
- AFT president Randi Weingarten promoted the campaign and urged families to use the site’s locator to find local and union-friendly back-to-school options.
- A New York Post reporter tested the locator and found it returned Macy’s stores in San Antonio, reflecting the tool’s stated filter for retailers that employ a significant number of unionized employees.
- Observers pointed to AFT materials noting members’ pension funds own 6.79 million shares of Target and said steering consumers away from the company could create a tension between political advocacy and fiduciary duties.
- Right-leaning outlets have amplified the critique by highlighting Weingarten’s past spending scrutiny and reported compensation, and some commentators have urged further oversight though no Justice Department probe has been reported.