UTF Ratifies Contract with Significant Gains
88% of UTF membership at Central Michigan University voted yes on a new contract this past week. This contract includes significant gains including 10% in raises over three years, lower benefits costs, release time or overload pay for added duties, increased sick leave, and tuition waiver at the doctoral level for the medical school classes. Leadership has worked hard over this academic year to rebuild the union and win a fair contract and that work has paid off.
AFT Town Hall on Tuesday, June 10: No Kings, Just Us
In America, we don’t do kings—and that was by design. From the start, this country rejected monarchy and embraced the idea that power belongs to the people, not to one person or party. As we face attacks on public education, healthcare, civil rights and working families, we’re not just resisting—we’re organizing for something better. Join AFT President Randi Weingarten on Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. ET for a special town hall to prepare for No Kings Day on June 14. Together, we’ll mobilize for strong public schools, vibrant communities and a democracy that works for all of us. Register now and spread the word.
June 14 Day of Action: No Kings
Trump acts like his rule is absolute, but this country doesn’t belong to a king. On June 14, we’re coming together to send a clear message: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.
On Saturday, June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. Find a “No Kings” event near you: https://go.aft.org/nokings
New Episode of the AFT Michigan Podcast
We were excited to welcome Jennifer Sheridan Moss, President of the Wayne Academic Union, AFT-AAUP 6075 to this episode of the AFT Michigan Podcast. Click the link below to find it on YouTube, like and share!
RNs at Henry Ford Rochester are on Strike
AFT Michigan is standing in solidarity with OPEIU registered nurses of Henry Ford Rochester Hospital. These nurses are currently on strike due to nearly three years of unfair labor practices. Picketing will occur Monday (6-9) through Friday (6-13),
7:00am-7:00pm.
OPEIU Local 40 is asking for solidarity and support on the picket line. You may also support their strike fund by following this link.
LEO is Hiring!
The Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO), AFT Michigan Local 6244, AFL-CIO, the union representing non-tenure-track faculty at the University of Michigan (UM), is seeking to hire a Full-Time Organizer for the Ann Arbor Campus. This is an ongoing position. LEO represents 2000 non-tenure-track faculty on 3 campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint) and 200 librarians, archivists, and curators. We are a volunteer-run organization with a strong organizing ethos.
The Campus Organizer’s main purpose is to grow and strengthen the union. By following the lead of the members, the Organizer will recruit new members and develop current members to be more active in the union. The Organizer is also the public face of the union and may represent the union at community events or at meetings with management.
For more information, please see the full job posting.
4th Annual AFT Michigan Pride Picnic – June 27
Join together with AFT Michigan’s Queer Caucus for our 4th annual Pride Picnic on Friday, June 27, from 4-7pm at Ford Field Park, South Shelter, 22001 Cherry Hill, Dearborn, MI. This is a relaxed, friendly gathering with typical picnic fare, games/art/music, and more. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided, bring a dish or snack to pass around! Free and convenient parking along with restrooms, shade, playground and paved paths.
This event is open to everyone (LGBTQ+ union members, as well as supportive non-LGBTQ+ allies in our union community).
Please RSVP here so we can plan for food and other fun activities. Contact John Ware for more information (jware@aftmichigan.org).
Take Action: Tell Congress No Cuts that Hurt Working Families!
House leaders have pushed through a budget that would have the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and to SNAP food assistance, as well as more cuts to retirement benefits for federal workers. Health care, food assistance, dignity in retirement—these programs are a cornerstone of a secure existence for working people.
We need you to speak out today. Tell the Senate this budget would be a disaster for working families and for our nation. Call your Senator at 231-400-0602 to tell them, “No cuts that hurt working families!”
AFT Student Debt Clinics
Sign up today for AFT Student Debt Virtual Clinics.
Learn about Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, how the latest news is affecting these programs and more!
Register Here
AFT Town Hall on Wellness – June 23
Wellness isn’t a buzzword—it’s essential. But for too many school and college employees, wellness is overshadowed by burnout, stress and unsupportive systems. Join AFT President Randi Weingarten, Dr. Vin Gupta and Dr. Mandy Cohen for a Vital Lessons town hall June 23 on what wellness means today—and how we can better care for our health. We’ll explore the science behind stress, what we’ve learned since the pandemic, and how to build lasting routines for health and resilience. Register and share.
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!
Gun Violence Prevention Month
June is National Gun Violence Prevention Month. End Gun Violence Michigan invites you to join their Silence the Violence events happening throughout the month of June. RSVP to one of the many events happening in communities across Michigan!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
