AFT Michigan Summer UBI: July 28-31 (via Zoom)
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? Workplace leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to support members develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of July 28. Sessions are focused on core areas of AFT Michigan’s Power Wheel and include skills you can take back to your workplace the next day around organizing, communicating, and representing your colleagues!
Register today at aftmichigan.org/union-building-events.
AFT Michigan Northern Local Leadership Conference – August 4-5
We’re excited to be hosting a Northern Leadership Summit this summer on August 4-5, at TreeTops Resort in Gaylord, MI! The two days will be spent in sessions designed to help local teams work towards union-building goals for the year ahead, learning about resources and support available through AFT MI, and hearing about the great work our locals across Northern Michigan are doing.
For more information and to register contact Meenakshi Mukherjee at mmukherjee@aftmichigan.org or Gary Wellnitz at gwellnitz@aftmichigan.org.
MSU Extension United Local 1855 Enters Negotiations for First Contract
Michigan State University Extension United Local 1855 is proudly entering negotiations for a first contract. They represent a vital, unique segment of Michigan’s workforce with dedicated professionals living and working across all 83 counties. They are building a connected union fueled by a shared commitment to fair wages, better working conditions, and deserved recognition.
As they embark on this pivotal journey, we call upon you, our AFT Michigan family, for solidarity and support. Our strength lies in our collective voice. Your most impactful contribution will be to help us share MSU Extension’s story.
Amplify our voice: Share who MSU Extension is and their campaign in your local meetings and mention to community leaders the vital work MSU Extension employees do.
We want to make the message clear: the whole state is watching to ensure MSU bargains in good faith.
As the campaign progresses, join in solidarity actions and demonstrate AFT Michigan’s power across both peninsulas. Together, we will work to raise the bar for fairness and respect not just for our members, but for all future AFT Michigan contracts.
Thank you for your unwavering support and solidarity.
4th Annual AFT Michigan Pride Picnic
An awesome crew of AFT Michigan members, staff and their families came out to celebrate our 4th Annual Pride Picnic on June 27 in Dearborn. We enjoyed good food and even better company! Thank you to everyone who joined us – – see you next year!
AFT Michigan at Great Lakes ULI
Leaders and activists from our healthcare, higher Ed, and K-12 locals came together for a week of learning and solidarity at the the Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute in Wisconsin. Participants spent the week diving into the core skills and strategies used in union leadership, grievance handling, and contract campaigns. Our leaders had a great time participating in simulations to practice organizing their colleagues, building power, and planning actions. We are excited to see their learning in action as they take their knowledge back to their locals.Thank you for your commitment to developing your leadership skills and building strong unions!
EMUFT Marches for Labor at the Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade
Members of the Eastern Michigan Federation of Teachers had a blast marching in the Ypsilanti 4th of July parade this past weekend. Members from across many departments on the campus joined in the fun. Not only did they walk the route, the group spread the word to citizens and a few state politicians about the importance of funding Higher Education in Michigan.
OPEIU Local 40 RNs and Support Staff Strike at McLaren Macomb Hospital on July 7
Today, nearly 700 dedicated nurses and support staff at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens went on strike. The strike results from McLaren Macomb’s numerous violations of the National Labor Relations Act over the last two years. The NLRB actively is investigating a dozen unfair labor practice charges against McLaren alleging bad faith bargaining, refusals to bargain, threatening to lockout employees, direct dealing, unilateral changes, retaliation, refusing to provide information, false statements and otherwise undermining the union.
AFT Town Hall: Autism, Education and Public Trust – July 15
Autism is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Join AFT President Randi Weingarten, Dr. Vin Gupta and guests Dr. Peter Hotez and Danielle Hall, of the Autism Society of America, for a Vital Lessons town hall on Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. EDT. We’ll separate fact from fiction and explore how we can reject misinformation and instead foster trust, dignity and inclusion for individuals with autism. This is a timely, must-watch event; please share it. Register now to get back to facts and put people first
July 17 National Day of Action – Good Trouble Lives On
We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations. Whether you’re outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest – this movement is for you!
Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration. Together, we’ll remind them that in America, the power lies with the people. Learn more, host or find an event near you! https://goodtroubleliveson.org/#about
Worker Pride Conference – Special Single-Day Format – July 19
The Workers’ Pride Conference invites all union and non-union workers and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working people. The conference draws instructors, facilitators, and coordinators from the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Click here for more information on the six workshop options and to register.
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
