It was great to see so many of you out at “No Kings” events across the state this weekend. Our crowd in Detroit was huge and had great energy and I received pictures and reports from many locations throughout the state from leaders showing up and making our collective voices heard.
MSU Extension Members Building Toward First Contracts
MSU Extension United members from the Community, Food and Environment Institute gathered for a group photo after a successful day of recruiting and engaging members. Throughout the day, they proudly displayed their union buttons and ribbons to show their solidarity. They were particularly excited about their efforts to reach members in the Upper Peninsula. A dedicated group of members from across the UP has committed to keeping their northern colleagues informed and involved in Extension United actions. This is especially important as the two new units of UNTF 1855 at MSU work towards finalizing their contracts by early December.
GEO is Hiring!
GEO 3550, the grad student union at the University of Michigan, is hiring a part time Field Organizer at GEO 3550 for a year with work expected to begin early November 2025. This is an in-person role in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the expectation of in-office/on site work most days of the week. For more information and to apply click here. Applications will be reviewed immediately on a rolling basis with interviews taking place until October 29. Please email any questions to umgeo@geo3550.org
HELU Senate Town Hall Series
Higher Ed Labor United invites members to join the Michigan Senate Candidate Town Hall Series, featuring Democratic candidates discussing their higher education policy agendas and fielding questions directly from faculty, staff, and students.
Event Dates:
- November 5, 7:30 PM – Mallory McMorrow
- November 10, 6:00 PM – Abdul El-Sayed and Rachel Howard
Each candidate will spend 30–40 minutes responding to both prepared and audience questions about issues impacting our campuses and university hospitals.
Please register at: https://tinyurl.com/MISenateTownHalls
Call: Stop the Shutdown and the Cuts to Working Families
As the shutdown continues so does the rent, mortgage and bills for America’s workers.
The bills keep coming for the workers who provide health care for veterans, help Americans with their Social Security benefits, inspect our food and medicines, and keep our airports safe.
The bills keep coming for contract workers—including custodians and cafeteria workers—who don’t have the assurance of back pay. Instead of chatting with their kids about Halloween costumes, parents will be forced to explain why the lights aren’t on. People who need medication like insulin may choose to ration it so they can afford to keep the water running.
And all of this pain is happening because the Trump administration is threatening to double or triple people’s health care premiums by refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits.
Congress needs to hear from working people right now: Fund the government. Fix the health care crisis. Put working people first.Make a call right now.
If you’ve already made a call, click here to send an email too.
CLCS UM-Dearborn Fall Leadership Institute
CLCS annual Fall Leadership Institute will be held on November 20-22 at UM-Dearborn, Fairlane Center South. The Fall Leadership Institute offers workshops for everyone – from seasoned leaders and those aspiring for leadership. This conference has extra course offerings especially geared for those interested in becoming leaders in their union and the labor movement in general. Participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds are welcome to attend.
For more information and to register click 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!
Learn more about the trauma counseling program by visiting members.aft.org/members/login
Free Webinar: Options for Student Loan Borrowers in SAVE Plan
Savi, the loan education and assistance program offered through the Union Plus Student Debt Navigator, is here to help identify savings and forgiveness programs for student loan borrowers. The repayment landscape is ever-changing and Savi’s free monthly webinars break down the latest student loan policy updates, show union members how to find and apply for savings and forgiveness options, and include a live Q&A session.
Their next webinar is taking place on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. ET and will focus on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan as interest resumes for student loan borrowers.
The future of the SAVE Plan remains uncertain, since the plan has been on hold since spring 2024 due to a federal court injunction, and a final court decision is still pending. In the meantime, interest is now being added to loan balances for nearly 8 million borrowers, though forbearances that pause payments remain in effect.
Borrowers can explore their options during the Oct. 21 webinar. Register here.
Learn more about how Savi can support your members by visiting the Union Plus Student Debt Navigator.
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
