Restoring Our Rights—May 4, Lansing
Superintendents are working against us everyday in Lansing and pressing Legislators to vote against HB 4233, HB 4355-57, and HB 4044 which will restore educator voice and balance power at the bargaining table. Next Thursday May 4, 2023 at 8:30 am at the (Michigan AFL-CIO 419 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933) we will be hosting a Lobby Day to advocate with legislators about these bills and others needed to reverse the Snyder/Engler attacks. It is imperative that these bills are passed and signed into law before legislators leave for summer recess. We need you to be there to tell them the importance of these bills and as a show of solidarity with all our members.
Here is the link to register: https://actionnetwork.org/events/citizen-lobby-day-may-4th.
Please register and encourage other members to attend. We need your support now more than ever and I look forward to working together to restore Educators’ voices!
AFT Michigan Education Policy Conference – May 20
Are you an AFT Michigan member who cares about our schools, colleges, and the students we serve? Join us at our Education Policy Conference on May 20, 2023 at Fairlane North, UM-Dearborn. Participants will select two issue briefings to attend in the morning and meet within Higher Ed and K-12 constituency groups to discuss our policy goals moving forward in the afternoon.
Issue Briefing Topics:
- Academic freedom and a pro-higher education legislative agenda
- Creating community schools
- Green & healthy schools & colleges – Good for students, workers, and communities
- How our decentralized system of higher education impacts our efforts to increase access to full-time gainful employment in Michigan
- Michigan’s School Finance Research Collaborative K-12 budget framework
- Pathways to achieving free college
- Protecting BIPOC and LGBTQ students in K-12 & Higher Ed
- Rebuilding MPSERS to ensure a secure retirement for all educators
- “School support staff to teacher” career ladders
Click here to register:
Henry Linne Has Died
Henry Linne, a state federation leader for over 35 years has passed away. Henry was elected President of what was then named the Michigan Federation of Teachers, a position he held for twenty years. In 1981, when Hugh Jarvis was elected to the top post, Henry continued his service as our Secretary-Treasurer.
Henry was President during foundational times for public sector unionism in Michigan. The Public Employee Relations Act became law in 1965. In 1966, the Henry Ford Community College Federation of Teachers staged the nation’s first college faculty strike and in 1970, a ballot issue banning the use of public funds for private schools was approved by the voters. In 1971, MFT organized its first support staff local. And I could go on and on.
Thank you Henry for doing so much for so many.
Resident Advisors United Recognized by WSU
With 78% signing union authorization cards, Resident Advisors United, a union representing Resident Advisors working at Wayne State University dorms, has been voluntarily recognized by the WSU Administration. The voluntary recognition is provided for in the Organizing Policy adopted by the WSU Board of Governors. Kim Trent, former Chair of the WSU Board of Governors, verified the count.
The RAs did tremendous work organizing their bargaining unit, and now look forward to negotiating their first contract. While Resident Advisors United is an independent union not formally affiliated with AFT Michigan, the RAs received support and assistance from Mark Dilley and Michael Williams from AAUP-AFT Local 6075 and AFT Michigan.
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!
Worker’s Pride – June 24
The Center for Labor and Community Studies is pleased to announce the launch of a new conference: Workers’ Pride on June 24. This one-day conference is open to all workers. Instructors, facilitators, and coordinators are drawn from the LGBTQ+ community. Click on the link for flyers, more information and online registration.
https://t.e2ma.net/click/pmcspe/xojxu57/d5auwm
Young Worker Registration Continues
Registration is still open for the June 8-10 Young Worker Conference. Click on the link for flyers, more information and online registration.
https://clcs.umd.umich.edu/upcoming-events/2023-young-workers-conference
Professional Development
AFT Michigan
Effective Student Feedback
Saturday, May 6, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This workshop will provide participants with strategies for using feedback as a roadmap for teaching and learning, which plays a significant role in boosting student achievement.
Participants will receive 6 SCECHs after completion of the workshop.
Click here to register: https://aftmichigan.org/professional-development-events/
Check out Share My Lesson 85+ free lesson plans and activities, this collection has what you need to teach students about Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander heritage.
In solidarity
David Hecker
President
