Crawford AuSable Teachers Ratifies Contract
The Crawford AuSable Teachers finalized their CBA negotiations with great results: the district fully funded insurance to the cap plus a 3% raise in each of the next two years. In addition, the local incorporated MOUs that were created over the last two years, along with earned sick time language. Great job by President Kristy Kemp and the entire local leadership team.
Lessons from Minneapolis – May 16
Know Your Rights Training – May 20
As our communities across Michigan are impacted by increased ICE presence and attacks, join us for a Know Your Rights Training with attorney Liz Jacob from Sugar Law Center on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:30-7 PM over Zoom. Learn about your rights as well as support and resources for AFT Michigan members.
Learn more about the session and register here today!
2026 Union Priorities Survey
The National AFL-CIO is gathering responses for their 2026 Union Priorities survey. It is a very brief digital survey (can be completed in less than a few minutes). This survey will help inform Washington, DC how AFT Michigan members are feeling!
Survey link: https://act.aflcio.org/surveys/union-priorities-survey/
AFT Free Affordability Clinics
Medical bills, student loans and credit cards are pushing too many working families to the brink. That’s why the AFT is hosting free Affordability Clinics as part of our Fight for Affordability campaign. Learn how to reduce, dispute and manage your debt—and understand your rights. Register for an upcoming clinic.
AFT Book Club: Exploring Racial Gaps in Education
Join AFT President Randi Weingarten for a powerful conversation with renowned
educator and bestselling author Jonathan Kozol, discussing his latest book, We Shall Not Bow Down: Children of Color Under Siege—An Invocation to Resistance on May 17. For more than five decades, Kozol has challenged the nation to confront the deep inequalities in public education. In his book, he returns to schools and communities across the country to examine the enduring realities of racial segregation, unequal resources and the barriers that continue to limit opportunity for many students. Sign up here.
Young Workers Conference 20206 – June 25-27
The Young Workers Conference will be held on June 25-27 in Troy, MI, at the Somerset Inn. The theme for 2026 is “Empower & Lead: Now, Tomorrow, & Beyond”.
This conference is open to participants of ALL AGES, and like all of our events, we encourage folks of all backgrounds to participate. We especially encourage workers who are early in their career or who are new to union organizing to join us!
There’s a diverse set of workshops, including Finance 201, Labor Law & Organizing, and Grievance Handling. Check out the YWC26 page to read about the courses and register! You can also download a PDF version of the registration flyer and send it by mail, email, or fax!
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!
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month
Explore standards-aligned lesson plans and resources to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage in your classroom. This K-12 collection supports educators and families with classroom-ready activities for AANHPI Heritage Month and beyond. Discover stories of leaders in politics, science, sports and the arts while teaching students about the history of racism, resilience and identity. These resources are ideal for social studies, English language arts, and social and emotional learning integration, and they help promote culturally responsive teaching, empathy and equity. The resources are also perfect for classroom discussion, homework or community projects.
For Teacher Appreciation Week, the AFT is partnering with First Book to offer AFT members serving kids in need the opportunity to choose $35 worth of brand-new books for free from the First Book Marketplace when you use promo code AFTTHANKYOU26. This offer is for AFT members who are signed up with First Book. Sign up for free and gain instant access to an incredible selection of low-cost, diverse books at low prices through the First Book Marketplace. It’s first come, first served. Don’t wait!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
