Michigan Medicine Lab Workers Join UMMAP!
Today more than 500 professionals who work in Michigan Medicine laboratory settings, including medical technologists, laboratory technicians, histotechnicians, and clinical technologists, officially certified the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), AFT Local 6739, as their union.
UMMAP is a multi-bargaining unit union of more than 4,200 health care workers spanning across Michigan Medicine. With a commitment to an open, transparent, and cooperative process, UMMAP is in the process of bargaining a first contract with the University, with a goal of fostering an equitable workplace culture at Michigan Medicine, ensuring that health care professionals from the three main hospitals in Ann Arbor to the 125 external clinics across the state are given the respect and support they deserve.
Congratulations UMMAP Lab Workers and welcome to AFT!
Nomination needed for the Toni Morrison Courage Award
On Right to Read Day (April 8) during National Library Week (April 7–13), an AFT member will win the Toni Morrison Courage Award. The AFT is partnering with The New Republic, the American Library Association, Books & Books and PEN America to give the award to an AFT member who is fighting book bans.
We are looking for nominations. If you know an AFT member who is helping students or doing something creative in the face of book bans and attacks on reading, please nominate that individual by March 13!
The prize includes a $1,000 honorarium courtesy of The New Republic, a $500 gift card to First Book, and travel expenses to Miami for the announcement on April 8. An additional 10 nominees will receive a $100 gift card to First Book.
The Right to Read Day celebration will feature authors who are banned now or who have been banned in the recent past; fellow writers who have taken up the freedom to read cause; and teachers, librarians and students who have been directly impacted by the book bans that are sweeping across America.
Please nominate a teacher who has made a difference with students. This could be anything from teaching a banned book (even in a state where it is not banned), to running a free library, to organizing banned book displays. The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, March 13.
We’re Calling a Code Red
Hospitals are forcing nurses to work overtime, which leads to a lower quality of care, burnout and mental health challenges; more nurses are leaving the bedside to find different work.
Tell Congress to protect healthcare professionals by banning mandatory overtime!
Many hospitals around the country are facing high patient loads and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. But instead of hiring more workers, far too often hospital management doubles down on mandatory overtime for current staff—12 to 16 hours without a break to eat or drink, and 36-hour shifts.
The bill will protect workers who need to say “no” to assignments, while allowing those who can safely work more hours to do so. Preventing mandatory overtime will improve patient care and the lives of our union family members.
Write to your lawmaker now, and help us take a stand for healthcare professionals.
Michigan Nurses Association Informational Picket in the Soo – March 12
Mark Your Calendar: AFT Michigan Legislative Coordinator Jenell Mansfield to Speak at WON Event on March 14
The Women Officials Network (WON) is putting on a five-woman panel,Leading IdeologicallyDiverse Organizations,on March 14 from 5:30PM-8PM .
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion titled “Leading Ideologically Diverse Organizations: Lessons from Women in Labor Leadership.” In this enlightening event, five influential women leaders from diverse backgrounds will share their insights, experiences, and strategies for effectively navigating and leading ideologically diverse organizations within the labor sector. From fostering inclusivity to managing differing viewpoints, this discussion promises to provide invaluable lessons for leaders seeking to drive positive change in their organizations.
The event will be held at Oakland Community College and include a complimentary dinner and networking event for those who register. Spots are limited, so register soon!
Rally to Support UM Workers – March 16
The UM labor and campus community is gathering in support of the many unions (including 3 AFT Michigan locals) currently negotiating new contracts. The rally will take place at UM Central campus diag at 1pm on Saturday, March 16.
Investing In Our Public School Teachers Listening Session – March 18
Oakland University Labor Panel – March 27
Oakland University AAUP/AFT 6762 will be co-sponsoring a labor panel event with the OU Student Congress on March 27th from 6-7pm.
Celebrate Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, this is a time to elevate the voices, dreams and stories of the women who changed the course of history and have made our world better and more equitable.
Check out AFT Share My Lesson teaching resources on women’s history and activities featuring key figures and historical events.
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students 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
