Protect Our Kids Action Events
Educators, students, parents and community allies participated in more than 2,000 actions throughout the country March 4 as part of the AFT’s Protect Our Kids Day of Action to fight back against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s cruel and irresponsible attacks on public schools. Participants called on lawmakers to protect our kids and take a stand against funding cuts that will hurt millions of students to give tax cuts to billionaires. From rallies and walk-ins to press events and legislative visits, the energy was unstoppable.
WMed Residents Physicians Authorize Strike
Over 260 resident physicians and fellow physicians-in-training at the Homer Stryker School of Medicine at Western Michigan University (WMed) authorized a strike Thursday. The strike is organized by the Resident & Fellow Alliance (RFA). A breakdown in contract negotiations with their employers is cited as the reason behind the strike.
Read more here: WMed residents and physicians authorize strike after contract talks stall
Judges Rules Legislation that Lowers Healthcare Costs be Sent to the Governor
HB 6058 sponsored by Rep. Xiong (D, Warren) increases the amount that public employers pay toward their employees’ medical benefit plans and reduces costs for workers. Court of Appeals Judge Sima Patel ruled that according to the Michigan Constitution which states, “Every bill passed by the Legislature shall be presented to the governor before it becomes law, and the governor shall have 14 days to decide whether to sign or veto it.” All nine bills have been ordered to be released to the Governor. Now we need your help in advocating that the Governor sign HB 6058 and bring down healthcare costs for workers.
Please send a letter to the Governor asking her to sign HB 6058 when it reaches her desk.
WCCC P&AA Ratified Contract
Wayne County Community College Districts smallest but mightiest local, the Professional and Administrative Association 4467, fought tenaciously for over a year to improve their expired contract, and it was ratified by the membership in late February. The bargaining team of President Kerri Barnett-Novack, Bargaining Chair Kimberly Tipton, Bargaining Committee member Peter Sims, and Executive Board Chair Treneece Dortch ensured their part time members achieved the same salaried raise as the full timers, 14% over the life of the contract. Due to extreme erosion of the local over the years by management, the team also relentless fought to increase their membership via bargaining: 25 once-exempt workers will be joining the union over the next 16 months of the new contract.
Register for the Michigan Higher Education Labor Summit – March 15
Join higher ed labor activists from around the state at Wayne State on March 15 to discuss how higher ed works in Michigan and a potential shared vision for the future. Register here: https://higheredlaborunited.org/michigan-higher-education-labor-summit/
Stop the Attacks on Medicaid
Donate to the Federal Worker Solidarity Fund
The unprecedented disruptions happening right now in the federal government will create uniquely difficult hardships in the Washington, D.C., metro area, Maryland and Virginia. While the labor movement fights to keep workers in our jobs, our communities also can help federal workers keep food on the table, get lifesaving medication and remain in their homes during this tumultuous time.
The Federal Worker Solidarity Fund—hosted by the Community Services Agency of the Metropolitan Washington Council—is a way for everyone to support fired federal workers who are now experiencing financial hardship.
Register for the Michigan School for Women Workers — all are welcome!
The Michigan School for Women Workers is coming April 24-27 to the Somerset Inn in Troy, Michigan. With ten different workshops there is something for everyone.
For more information, to register online, and to find jpegs of the flyer go to: https://clcs.umd.umich.edu/upcoming-events/2025-michigan-school-for-women-workers.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
From civil rights to arts and culture to science and technology, this lesson collection has cross-curricular resources for teaching core subjects through the enduring contributions of women.
Click here to view Share My Lesson’s Collections on Women’s History Lesson Plans.
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!
Register: Webinar on new strategies for ‘mandated support’ in education
Register to join a free AFT webinar, “Mandated Support: New Strategies for Compassionate Support in Schools” to be held on March 25, 4-5 p.m. EDT. Webinar leaders will review national research on mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect, including its relationship to the education sector and how educators think about this required state intervention, with key points from the 2025 AFT publication “Nobody Wins.” Then, learn more about mandated support, including evidence-based strategies to address child maltreatment that elevate compassion, effective prevention and well-being. The webinar is part of the 2025 Share My Lesson Virtual Conference, which will take place March 25-28.
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
