All Aboard the AFT Votes Bus Saturday!
Please join me and national AFT President Randi Weingarten this Saturday October 19, 2024 as we walk to ensure our candidates that share our values WIN in November. We will begin at 10am at the United Steelworkers hall in Taylor: 20600 Eureka Rd #300, Taylor, MI 48180, with an event that will include the leaders of several national unions. Please register here.
Then we’ll kick off a walk in Detroit at 1pm from our office: 2661 E. Jefferson, Detroit MI 48207. Please register here.
Watch the progress of our union’s bus tour so far. Let’s finish strong and get out the vote.
Beyond Saturday, we need your help over these next three weeks. Please sign up for Red for Ed walks and join the fight to win on November 5th!
How do we elect people who care about workers and our families? By showing up at the polls. Voting early can be a quick and convenient way to make sure voting fits in your schedule. Figure out your voting plan right now, and make your voice heard for pro-worker candidates in 2024. Find labor-endorsed candidates on your ballot at https://miaflcio.vote/.
Click here to find your polling place
UM-Flint Faculty Kick Off Bargaining
Members and supporters of UM-Flint AFT-AAUP Local 5671 gathered at Willson Park in Flint on Friday to kick off the union’s inaugural contract campaign to improve working and learning conditions on campus. Check out some great videos from Mid-Michigan Now by clicking here.
WMU Faculty Secure New Agreement
Congratulations to the members of WMU-AAUP/AFT Local 6763 on reaching agreement with the University on their wage and healthcare reopener that brought negotiations to a successful conclusion after a tough fight that extended a month past the negotiation deadline. Great job by President Cathryn Bailey, Chief Negotiator Andrew Hennlich, and the entire WMU-AAUP leadership team!
Higher Ed Labor United Summit at EMU October 22
Our Higher Ed locals in Michigan are all familiar with the rampant abuse of contingent workers, the reliance on outsourcing, the threats to academic freedom, ballooning student debt, administrative bloat and the public’s image of higher education. These problems are bigger than any one local can solve at the bargaining table. Higher Ed Labor United (HELU) joined with AAUP, AFSCME, AFT, CWA, UAW, OPEIU, NEA, Unite Here, and SEIU to publish a letter to the Harris-Walz campaign calling for a focus on funding, access, work conditions, and a Secretary of Education who understands and prioritizes our needs.
To build a state-level movement around these issues, EMUFT is hosting the first Michigan Higher Ed Unity Summit: October 22, 2024, 6 – 8 pm in the Alumni Room (342 McKenny) at Eastern Michigan University. Please use this LINK or the QR code to RSVP.
Fall Leadership Institute – Register Now for Workshops in Leadership Development!
Register now for the upcoming Fall Leadership Institute conference scheduled to take place from November 21st to 23rd.
This conference is designed to provide workshops suitable for both seasoned leaders and individuals aspiring to enhance their leadership skills. The conference features a range of workshops tailored for those aiming to lead within their unions and contribute to the broader labor movement.
Please visit the following link to register online: https://clcs.umd.umich.edu/upcoming-events/2024-fall-leadership-institute
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to connect with us at 313-583-6400.
AFT Michigan Professional Development Workshop
Equity and Social-Emotional Engagement
Saturday, November 9, 2024
AFT Michigan – David Hecker Bldg.
2661 E. Jefferson – Detroit MI
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
This in-service will introduce attendees to the Building Equity Taxonomy (BET) and its relationship to Social-Emotional Engagement (SEE). It is essential for educators to develop programs that are sensitive to the students’ social and emotional needs.
Participants will receive 6 SCECHs after completion of this in-service.
Click here to register
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!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
