AFT Michigan Summer UBI: July 28-31 (via Zoom)
Are you a workplace leader looking to develop your union leadership skills? Wondering where to start when it comes to being a building representative, steward, or union member? Workplace leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to support members develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of July 28. Sessions are focused on core areas of AFT Michigan’s Power Wheel and include skills you can take back to your workplace the next day around organizing, communicating, and representing your colleagues!
Register today at aftmichigan.org/union-building-events.
AFT Michigan Northern Local Leadership Conference – August 4-5
We’re excited to be hosting a Northern Leadership Summit this summer on August 4-5, at TreeTops Resort in Gaylord, MI! The two days will be spent in sessions designed to help local teams work towards union-building goals for the year ahead, learning about resources and support available through AFT MI, and hearing about the great work our locals across Northern Michigan are doing.
For more information and to register contact Meenakshi Mukherjee at mmukherjee@aftmichigan.org or Gary Wellnitz at gwellnitz@aftmichigan.org.
MSU Extension United Local 1855 Enters Negotiations for First Contract
Michigan State University Extension United Local 1855 is proudly entering negotiations for a first contract. They represent a vital, unique segment of Michigan’s workforce with dedicated professionals living and working across all 83 counties. They are building a connected union fueled by a shared commitment to fair wages, better working conditions, and deserved recognition.
As they embark on this pivotal journey, we call upon you, our AFT Michigan family, for solidarity and support. Our strength lies in our collective voice. Your most impactful contribution will be to help us share MSU Extension’s story.
Amplify our voice: Share who MSU Extension is and their campaign in your local meetings and mention to community leaders the vital work MSU Extension employees do.
We want to make the message clear: the whole state is watching to ensure MSU bargains in good faith.
As the campaign progresses, join in solidarity actions and demonstrate AFT Michigan’s power across both peninsulas. Together, we will work to raise the bar for fairness and respect not just for our members, but for all future AFT Michigan contracts.
Thank you for your unwavering support and solidarity.
AFT Town Hall: Autism, Education and Public Trust – July 15
Autism is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Join AFT President Randi Weingarten, Dr. Vin Gupta and guests Dr. Peter Hotez and Danielle Hall, of the Autism Society of America, for a Vital Lessons town hall on Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. EDT. We’ll separate fact from fiction and explore how we can reject misinformation and instead foster trust, dignity and inclusion for individuals with autism. This is a timely, must-watch event; please share it. Register now to get back to facts and put people first
Fight Back Against SNAP Cuts!
On July 4, 2025, the federal government eliminated funding for the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program better known as SNAP-Ed. It has helped Michigan families for over 30 years by teaching practical, life-changing skills: how to cook healthy meals on a budget, how to grocery shop wisely, and how to improve long-term health with better food choices. It has supported children, seniors, working parents, and people in every county of our state.
Now, that support is being dismantled. Without state investment, we will lose the educators, classes, and trusted programs that have made a difference in so many lives.
Click Here to Send a Letter to Your Legislator Asking them to Protect SNAP-ED
It’s Better in a Union’ Bus Tour
The National AFL-CIO ‘It’s Better in a Union’ Bus Tour is coming to Michigan! We would be honored if you joined us this Thursday, July 17, at noon at UAW Region 1 (27800 George Merrelli Dr, Warren, MI 48092) for the national kickoff of the nationwide bus tour. The bus tour is visiting battleground districts all across the country to speak to union members about the importance of fairness, freedom, and security. All union members and supporters are invited to attend! We would love if you could RSVP, and share this RSVP link or the attached flyer with your membership: https://www.mobilize.us/miaflcio/event/809564/
July 17 National Day of Action – Good Trouble Lives On
We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations. Whether you’re outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest – this movement is for you!
Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration. Together, we’ll remind them that in America, the power lies with the people. Learn more, host or find an event near you! https://goodtroubleliveson.org/#about
Learn More About Invest in MI Kids
Learn more about the Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative to increase funding for Michigan’s schools. It proposes a Constitutional Amendment to fund K-12 schools in Michigan with a 5% fair share surcharge on annual taxable income over $1,000,000 for joint filers and over $500,000 for individuals. On Monday, July 21 at 5:30-6:45pm you will hear educator experiences from the Arizona school funding initiative, an overview of the policy and the campaign plan, an opportunity to ask questions, and an ask for commitment to all participants.
Can you attend the virtual briefing? RSVP here.
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!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
