Earn Your Union Building Institute Certificate! Sign up for AFT Michigan’s Week of Learning for Worksite Leaders! February 23-26
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? Worksite leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of February 23rd. Sessions are designed to give worksite leaders skills and strategies they can immediately implement at their worksites.
Learn more and register today at https://aftmichigan.org/events/
Passing of Detroit Federation of Paras Retiree Leader Yvette King
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals Retiree Yvette King. Yvette dedicated over 20 years supporting students in Detroit Public Schools. She began working as a Noon Hour Aide at Gabriel Richard School before being promoted to a Paraprofessional serving students in the early childhood GSRP program.
Yvette was an advocate for her colleagues, later serving as a building representative at Fisher Lower Academy and became an Executive Board Member for the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals, Local 2350. As an active member she served as a delegate to AFT and AFT Michigan conventions and PSRP conferences. After retiring from the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Yvette remained active with the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals Retirees Chapter and AFT Michigan Retiree Network.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Passing of Former ACCESS Executive Director, Ismael Ahmed
We are saddened by the passing of friend of labor and former ACCESS Executive Director, Ismael Ahmed. After working within the UAW early in his career, he co-found ACCESS and served as a longtime Executive Director. He also helped co-launch the Arab American National Museum and served on its advisory board for many years. Ahmed served as Director at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under Governor Granholm, becoming the first Arab American to hold one of the state’s most significant cabinet roles, and later returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, as an Associate Provost. He was appointed to the National Council on the Arts by President Biden. The impact of his contributions to ACCESS, the community, and the State of Michigan will never be forgotten. Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.
Macomb ISD Federation of Teachers Local #2144 and Macomb ISD Federation of Paraprofessionals Local #6216 Members supporting Special Olympians at 2026 State Winter Special Olympics in Traverse City.
Standing with Minnesota
AFT President Randi Weingarten joined educators, faith leaders and families in Minnesota last Friday calling for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions that are terrorizing communities and threatening the safety of schools. In her weekly video report, Weingarten also shares news of a major court win protecting federal education funding for public schools. From marching in the streets to victories in the courtroom, this is what solidarity looks like.
Tell Your Lawmakers We Need Guardrails on AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is all over the news — for good reason. AI will have enormous consequences for working people, our daily lives, and the strength of our nation. From our jobs to our healthcare to our education, nearly every facet of our lives is going to be impacted by AI.
There is an opportunity for AI to make our lives better, but only if we stand together to make sure it is used the right way. That’s why the Michigan labor movement is banding together to support the RAISE Act. The RAISE Act is a necessary first step to putting guardrails on AI in Michigan. It will combat the use of AI to surveil and harass workers, set wages, and discriminate against workers in hiring procedures.
Let’s be clear: there is a long road ahead to make sure AI is a tool for everyday people, not weaponized against them. We are just getting started, and we need your help. Will you stand with working people and tell your lawmakers to support guardrails on AI now?
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!
Happy Black History Month
Celebrate Black History throughout the year! Teach about Black voices, innovations and leadership with this expansive preK-12 collection. Explore stories of activism, resilience, art, music, science and civil rights—past and present. AFT ShareMyLesson has curated lessons that foster critical reflection and offer students multiple entry points into Black history.
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
