LEO-GLAM Celebrates New Contact
Congratulations to the LEO-GLAM bargaining unit of the University of Michigan Lecturers’ Union (LEO – AFT MI Local 6244), which overwhelmingly voted to ratify a four-year contract covering librarians, archivists, and curators with the University of Michigan.
In addition to annual salary increases, the contract includes the restoration of extended sick leave for members with more than ten years of service, a shortened timeline for promotion eligibility for members at the earliest ranks, and an additional paid “floating” holiday, among other provisions. The contract also includes language on artificial intelligence, a first for any union at the University of Michigan. Great work by LEO-GLAM Chair Meredith Kahn, the whole GLAM leadership team, and LEO as a whole.
LEO is Hiring!
The Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO), AFT Michigan Local 6244, AFL-CIO, the union representing non-tenure-track faculty at the University of Michigan (UM), is seeking to hire a Full-Time Organizer for the Ann Arbor Campus. This is an ongoing position. LEO represents 2000 non-tenure-track faculty on 3 campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint) and 200 librarians, archivists, and curators. We are a volunteer-run organization with a strong organizing ethos.
The Campus Organizer’s main purpose is to grow and strengthen the union. By following the lead of the members, the Organizer will recruit new members and develop current members to be more active in the union. The Organizer is also the public face of the union and may represent the union at community events or at meetings with management.
For more information, please see the full job posting.
MSUE Union Holds Bargaining Campaign Retreat
This past Saturday, the newly recognized MSU Extension Union, a new chapter of UNTF 1855, spent the day building their bargaining campaign strategic plan. A deadline was set for a new contract by October 31st. The team focused on member engagement and outreach to the communities where members work across the state as ways to build power and achieve a strong contract. Time was spent examining the unique issues surrounding a first contract campaign and the challenges of a membership spread across every county in the state. Priorities for bargaining were decided after reviewing the results of the membership survey. The group also discussed how the union might work with MSU to lobby against federal cuts to the SNAP program that funds several initiatives in MSU Extension. It was hard work, but an empowering experience for the team.
EMUFT Strategic Planning Retreat
Officers and activists from EMUFT spent Monday at a pot luck retreat identifying the local’s strengths as well as places where improvement was needed. From there, the group agreed on four goals for the coming year including growing membership numbers and the stewards council. The local also set their sights on restarting their social justice committee and forming a PAC committee. While enjoying the delightful banquet of home cooked goodies, the coming year’s calendar to meet those goals was created.
Save the Date 4th Annual AFT Michigan Pride Picnic – June 27
Join together with AFT Michigan’s Queer Caucus for our 4th annual Pride Picnic on Friday, June 27, 2025, 4- 7 pm.
Motor City Pride Parade – June 8
Join over 50,0000 participants in Michigan’s largest pride celebration – The Motor City Pride Parade on Sunday, June 8, 2025, step off at 12 noon. For more information click here.
June 14 Day of Action: No Kings
Trump acts like his rule is absolute, but this country doesn’t belong to a king. On June 14, we’re coming together to send a clear message: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.
On Saturday, June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. Find a “No Kings” event near you: https://go.aft.org/nokings
Take Action: Tell Congress No Cuts that Hurt Working Families!
House leaders have pushed through a budget that would have the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and to SNAP food assistance, as well as more cuts to retirement benefits for federal workers. Health care, food assistance, dignity in retirement—these programs are a cornerstone of a secure existence for working people.
We need you to speak out today. Tell the Senate this budget would be a disaster for working families and for our nation. Call your Senator at 231-400-0602 to tell them, “No cuts that hurt working families!”
Mastering Contract Negotiations: Strategies for Successful Agreements – June 26-28
Learn how to prepare for and conduct contract negotiations. Through interactive sessions, and role-playing exercises, you will gain practical experience to enhance your confidence and competence in securing favorable contracts. This workshop is part of the Young Workers Conference.
Mental Health in the Workplace: Fostering a Supportive and Productive Environment – June 26-28
Develop the knowledge and tools necessary to promote mental well-being within your workplace. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will gain insights into fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health, leading to member satisfaction and a more supportive environment. This workshop is part of the Young Workers Conference.
Worker Pride Conference – Special Single-Day Format – July 19
The Workers’ Pride Conference invites all union and non-union workers and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working people. The conference draws instructors, facilitators, and coordinators from the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Click here for more information on the six workshop options and to register.
AFT Student Debt Clinics
Sign up today for AFT Student Debt Virtual Clinics.
Learn about Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, how the latest news is affecting these programs and more!
Register Here
Upcoming Professional Development Workshop
AFT Michigan
Promoting Compassion and Academic Growth Prek-14
Saturday, June 7, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
2662 E. Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48207
This in-service is designed to support educators and learners to develop strategies to reduce stress,enhance professional/personal growth and student achievement, through research-based techniques.
Participants will receive 6 SCECHs after completion of the workshop.
Click here to register
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
Gun Violence Prevention Month
June is National Gun Violence Prevention Month. End Gun Violence Michigan invites you to join their Silence the Violence events happening throughout the month of June. RSVP to one of the many events happening in communities across Michigan!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
