Support UM Early Childhood Educators’ Fight for a Living Wage
UM Early Childhood Educators are some of the lowest paid employees at the University. They provide care for infants, toddlers, and early education for preschoolers of University of Michigan Medicine staff and faculty.
In February of this year, they became one of nearly 100 represented job titles in the University Staff United’s first official recognized bargaining unit, Student and Instructional Services. Since the end of June, they have been in contract negotiations. On September 9, USU passed their salary proposal to the University. The intent of the bargaining committee was to raise wages for some of the lowest paid employees at the University, including the UM Early Childhood Educators. On November 13, the University came back with a counter proposal on compensation. Their offer will not pull the Early Childhood Educators out of poverty wages.
USU has started a letter campaign for supporters to let Associate Vice President of HR, Richard Holcomb, know that you support living wages for UM Early Childhood Educators.
Add your name to the letter, let the University know that USU needs to care for the ones who care for our children!
https://bit.ly/UMChildcare_Centers_Letter
AFT Michigan Leaders Represent at AFT Regional Meeting in Chicago
We were represented by a great crew of almost 40 AFT Michigan leaders at the AFT Great Lakes Regional Leadership Meeting in Chicago this past weekend. Eric Rader (pictured), President of the Henry Ford Community College Federation of Teachers, presented on a panel talking about how locals are building power in their communities and the national AFT/AAUP higher ed campaign he’s helping lead; Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, President of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, presented on how the local has been building political engagement among members; and many others shared in small groups and workshops while building relationships and learning alongside locals leaders from across our region and the country. Thank you to all who made the trip.
Calling UM Members: Join Us for the UM Regents Candidate Forum – December 9 at 6pm
On Tuesday, December 9 from 6-7:30 PM, AFT Michigan will host an online forum for candidates seeking election to the University of Michigan Board of Regents. Members of all campus unions and the broader community are welcome to attend. RSVP to receive the link to the forum.
Don’t miss out on the chance to hear directly from the candidates and to participate in the statewide democratic process that governs the workplace for thousands of AFT Michigan members!
AFT Michigan Unemployment Workshop – Wednesday, Dec 10 at 1pm
AFT Michigan’s Unemployment Workshop will focus on how to navigate our state’s unemployment system with a focus on higher education non-tenure faculty and specific issues related to this type of employment. If you did not get classes assigned to you this coming semester, you could be eligible for unemployment benefits. Join us to learn more. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.
Check Out Jeff Whittle’s Article on Classroom Behavior – “When the Data Doesn’t Match the Reality: A Veteran Educator’s Call to Reclaim the Truth About School Behavior.”
Jeff Whittle of the Macomb ISD Paras takes on classroom behavior concerns in his recent article on Medium.com:
AFT Webinar: AI and Critical Thinking – December 9
What makes artificial intelligence-generated output insightful? This free webinar helps educators guide students through the process of refining prompts, evaluating AI results and thinking critically about digital tools.
This Share My Lesson webinar is part of an ongoing, free series. Register for more here:https://webinars.on24.com/aft/EdBrAIn.
What is All the Buzz About Nursing No Longer Being Designated as a Professional Program?
Wondering what the proposal is to no longer classify nursing, social work & education as professional degrees means?
Read this explainer from AFT President Randi Weingarten, Aissa Canchola Bañez of Protect Borrowers and Puneet Maharaj of National Nurses United, on what students and borrowers need to know about the U.S. Department of Education’s new proposed definition of professional degrees and what YOU could do to push back.
Support Starbucks Workers on Strike
Starbucks workers across the nation are striking in pursuit of their first contract. They are striking for higher pay, better staffing, and protections at work. They deserve a fair union contract.
Union baristas’ struggle for a fair contract is tied to the broader fight for a just society. Billionaires and CEOs are getting richer and richer on the backs of working people while the politicians they fund are gutting our health care, our wages and our rights. They’re getting increasingly powerful, and now backed by an extreme, right-wing presidential administration.
Every small action we can take to support the labor movement builds our power: so don’t cross the picket line.
AFT Michigan stands in solidarity with Starbucks Workers United. Please sign Starbucks baristas’ solidarity pledge in support of the strike at their corporate stores.
Call Your Representative TODAY! Tell Them to Pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act
In case you missed the huge news: The House of Representatives secured enough bipartisan support to force a vote on the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the next few weeks. We need every single person who supports unions to take action.
Please call your representative here or dial 855-493-4407.
If you’ve already made a call, or you’re unable to make one at the moment, send an email to your representative, too.
People of all political parties support unions—it’s why the Protect America’s Workforce Act has bipartisan support. This bill would overturn President Trump’s union-busting executive order and restore the bargaining rights of more than 1 million federal workers.
The fight to support working people in the face of President Trump’s billionaire agenda is far from over. We need everyone who supports the freedom to join a union to make a call today.
Thank you for standing with federal workers and all working people.
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!
Tell Us How You’re #PublicSchoolProud
Join our Public School Proud campaign to celebrate the everyday moments that make public schools the heart of our communities. Whether it’s literacy nights, science fairs or football games under the lights, these moments remind us that public schools don’t just educate; they unite us and give every child a shot at a better life. Every week, we lift up great things happening in public schools. Share what makes you public school proud here. And here’s a recent example!
Union members can enjoy $10 OFF* their next Rx at participating network pharmacies through the Union Plus prescription discount program. Show this coupon at the counter and your discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Valid: December 1–31, 2025.
Feeling sick about high prescription costs? Your free Union Plus prescription discount card is the perfect remedy – compare with insurance and pick the best deal for your wallet. Download your free card today!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
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