U-M Research Museum Collections Managers Vote to Join LEO-Glam Union
This morning, the results were tabulated in the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) directed election for the University of Michigan Research Museum Collections Managers (RMCMs). The unit voted unanimously with 100% participation to elect the Lecturers Employee Organization (LEO – AFT MI Local 6244) as their collective bargaining representative and as such to be accreted into the existing LEO-GLAM bargaining unit. Congrats to the RMCMs and LEO-GLAM on this exciting organizing win and welcome to the AFT!
Planning for Retirement? AFT Michigan Can Help!
Are you within 1–10 years of retirement, considering early retirement, or simply looking for a clearer understanding of your pension benefits? AFT Michigan is offering upcoming pre-retirement sessions designed to help members who are in MPSERS prepare for a smooth transition into retirement.
Join us for an informative session featuring AFT Michigan Retiree Network Chair Marina Russo and Joe Banach from the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP). Joe will walk members through retirement options, pension benefits, important timelines, and the steps you need to take before retiring.
Choose the session that works best for you:
Saturday, September 19 (In Person)
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4hBSycK
Tuesday, September 22 (Virtual)
4:30–6:30 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bWjbpd
Saturday, April 24 (In Person)
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4x82u2f
Tuesday, April 27 (Virtual)
4:30–6:30 PM
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4w33pzX
What You’ll Learn:
- How your pension plan and retirement options work
- How age, service credit, and final average compensation affect your benefit
- How to use ORS tools to model retirement scenarios
- What documents and steps are required when you’re ready to retire
- Common mistakes to avoid and important timelines
- Answers to your retirement questions
*Before You Attend, to get the most out of the session, please:
- Create or log into your Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) account: michigan.gov/ors
- Confirm your total years of service credit
- Bring your ORS login credentials and any personal retirement questions or scenarios you’d like to discuss
Don’t wait until retirement is right around the corner to start planning. Take advantage of this opportunity to understand your options and make informed decisions about your future.
Lake Shore Support Staff Retreat
The Lake Shore Federation of Support Staff Executive Board recently hosted a leadership retreat to create an organizing plan for the upcoming school year. They are entering the school year energized by their most recent contract wins that include additional holidays and increased pay for their members!
AFT Democracy Defenders
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.
Join us tonight, Monday, August 17, at 7pm, for strategy and mobilization sessions where we:
- Identify the Fight: Get a quick look at our immediate priorities and where our energy is needed most right now.
- Shape the Action: Share your voice in the conversation on how this team shows up and the tactics we use to fight back.
- Stay Action Ready: Ensure our team is prepared to pivot and respond quickly to high-stakes political moments.
- Strengthen the Team: Connect with a dedicated network of activists who are ready to get to work.
CLCS Latina/o Worker Leadership Institute, September 17-19
The Latina/o Worker Leadership Institute invites all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing Latina/o working persons and learn about Latina/o culture. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds. The conference includes a diverse set of workshops, including Financial Planning 101, Roots of Resistance: Latina/o Labor History, and Employee Rights and Labor Law. Learn more about sessions offered here and reach out to Meenakshi (mmukherjee@aftmichigan.org) to learn more about member scholarships.
Order AFT Materials
All year long we mobilize and organize our members, our communities and the people we serve.
AFT refreshed organizing materials are now available for you to order. You can order them here: go.aft.org/AFTmaterials.
Organizing materials are available year-round. Whenever you are planning an organizing push, union event, back-to-school event or other mobilizing opportunity, you can select the resources you need, including organizing brochures that show prospective members how to amplify their voice, a Value of Belonging poster that highlights our accomplishments, buttons and bumper stickers to show union support, and professional learning options and benefits brochures that reinforce our day-to-day support for our members.
AFT Michigan is Hiring!!
AFT Michigan is seeking an experienced and energized Organizer and Field Representative to join our dynamic statewide union of educators and healthcare workers. Our team of staff works with approximately 100 local unions across the state to build strong locals, develop leaders, bargain and enforce contracts, organize, and work for social justice.
For more information click the position you would like to apply for:
AFT Michigan Organizer Position
AFT Michigan Field Representative Position
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.
Who Should Pay for the Electricity That Powers A!?
As AI tools like ChatGPT become part of everyday life, the data centers behind them are using enormous amounts of electricity and putting new demands on power grids across the country. Some argue tech companies should cover the costs of grid upgrades. Others say data centers bring jogs, investment and benefits that help everyone.
This timely lesson helps students explore the economics, technology and public policy questions surrounding AI’s growing energy footprint. Great for discussions on energy, innovation, regulation and civic decision-making.
https://sharemylesson.com/todays-news-tomorrows-lesson/who-should-pay-electricity-powers-ai
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!
