Protect the Vote: Democracy Defenders Kick-off – August 11
Every voter, regardless of party, should be able to trust that their ballot can be cast safely and will be counted fairly. Yet voters run into problems that shouldn’t happen: confusing rules, long lines, challenged mail ballots, polling-place disruptions and urgent questions that no one answers in time.
We’re facing more challenges than ever this upcoming election, with mid-decade redistricting, challenges to vote-by-mail, and a constant assault on elections by the current occupant of the White House.
Join AFT President Randi Weingarten and activists from across the country for the official launch of the AFTvotes Democracy Defenders program!
Defending democracy starts right at home. AFT is building a nationwide network of thousands of volunteers to safeguard our elections at the local level. Whether it’s clearing up voting rule confusion or making sure polling locations run smoothly, AFT is taking action to ensure every eligible vote counts.
Labor@Wayne: August 11
The Michigan AFL-CIO will be announcing a new partnership with Labor@Wayne on August 11, 2026 at 4:30pm.
If you’re interested in the school or attending the event, RSVP by clicking here.
Tell the Senate: Vote No on the Clarity Act
The Senate is considering the Clarity Act, a bill that would allow volatile cryptocurrency assets to recklessly access our pensions and retirement investments. This bill is bad for workers, putting working people’s financial security and retirement at risk—while also shielding crypto companies from serious oversight and regulation.
The bill would allow cryptocurrency issuers and platforms to opt out of stronger oversight by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Compared to the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is not only understaffed, it also does not have a mandate to protect investors. This could hurt ordinary Americans and our pensions, while protecting the crypto companies who stand to gain from less oversight.
If passed, the Clarity Act would support the spread of cryptocurrency into our economy so completely that it would be very difficult for the average person to avoid it altogether. Exposing our retirement accounts and the economy to crypto billionaires’ games would help a small number of rich and powerful people make even more money, while putting the rest of us at risk.
Please stand with workers and tell your senators to vote NO on the Clarity Act.
AFT, AAUP Respond to Trump Education Department Compact 2.0
In response to a Department of Education letter sent to university leaders, AFT President Randi Weingarten and American Association of University Professors (AAUP) President Todd Wolfson issued the following statement:
“The Trump administration is back with a second version of its higher education compact. The reason is simple: The first one failed—and failed for good reason. This compact was not about investing in higher education or helping students succeed—it’s all about continuing culture wars. Faculty, students, staff, alumni and unions said ‘no’ the first time the Trump administration attempted to remake higher education through political pressure….
“As with the first compact, the best path forward is for higher education workers to organize and demand that their administrations and governing boards reject Compact 2.0. There is every reason to believe we can do so again.
“The solution to opaque college admissions, skyrocketing tuition, the onslaught of artificial intelligence and degraded academic freedom isn’t the racism, program closures, restrictions on free speech and xenophobia embodied in Compact 2.0. Instead, we must continue fighting for what higher education should be: debt-free, an engine of innovation and economic opportunity, a driver of lifesaving research, a place where students prepare for meaningful careers and thriving lives, and an institution that welcomes everyone.
“That is the future higher education deserves—not one dictated by partisan political demands.”
Keep Politics Out of Research Funding
Scientific research conducted at our colleges and universities drives the discoveries that improve public health, strengthen national security, fuel economic growth and solve the complex challenges facing our communities. Funding cuts to higher education research threaten lifesaving medical breakthroughs, technological innovation, climate resilience and workforce development while weakening the nation’s global competitiveness. And political interference in research threatens to disrupt the education and training of the next generation of scientists, researchers and skilled professionals who depend on research opportunities to develop critical expertise. Protecting robust federal and state investments in research is essential to ensuring that the institution of higher education continues to advance knowledge, create opportunity, and deliver solutions that improve lives and build a stronger future for everyone.
President Donald Trump and his allies have proposed a rule to put their political appointees in charge of federal grant funding. We need to protect our scientific and medical research from political meddling. Click here, and urge your senators to reject the proposed Office of Management and Budget rule.
Stand with Disneyland Cast Members
The character and parade cast members of Disneyland help bring magic to life every day at work. They love their jobs and strive to make Disneyland the happiest place on Earth! These cast members have been bargaining for their first union contract since October 2024. While there has been some progress at the negotiating table, Disneyland management has been dragging their feet and will not come to terms for a deal. In fact, management is now trying to eliminate worker benefits, while also reducing retirement and paid time off benefits, and keeping wages low. Behind closed doors, Disney management has dragged out negotiations and disrespected its workers because it thinks no one is watching.
Sign Up for Reading Universe’s Professional Learning
Classroom paraprofessionals often work with students who need the most intensive reading support, yet many have limited access to specialized literacy training. Register today for Reading Universe’s “Free Courses on Beginning Reading Instruction for Paraprofessionals and Their Supporters,” a free, for-credit webinar on Sept. 23. Reading expert Dr. Deborah Glaser will introduce Reading Universe’s new ParaReading collection—five free, self-paced courses that provide foundational science of reading knowledge and practical classroom strategies. Help us spread the word to paraprofessionals, teachers, literacy coaches and family liaisons.
Before School Starts, Put Your Well-Being First
How can you make wellness part of your routine—not just another item on your to-do list? Before school begins, explore these free webinars, classroom resources, self-care strategies and practical ideas from the AFT’s Share My Lesson to help you and your students thrive all year long.
Also, check out these resources to Support Student Well-Being. Guide students toward smart, healthy choices, both in and out of the classroom, with free digital lessons, ready-to-use activities, and curriculum-aligned videos covering topics like managing screen time, social media use, and peer pressure.
Latina/o Workers Leadership Summit
The Latina/o Workers Leadership Institute will be held September 17-19 in Dearborn, MI, at UM-D’s Fairlane Center South. The theme for 2026 is “Remembering Our Past, Protecting Our Future“, and registration is open now!
This conference is open to participants of ALL BACKGROUNDS, and is open for all ages, genders, and ethnicities to participate.
There is a diverse set of workshops, including Financial Planning 101, Roots of Resistance: Latina/o Labor History, and Employee Rights and Labor Law. Check out the LWLI26 page on our website to read about the courses and register! You can also download a PDF version of the registration flyer and send it by mail or email (clcs.info@umich.edu)!
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
