Let’s Get Out The Vote!
We are 8 days out from the election and need your help getting out the vote. Shifts will be available November 2nd-4th. Find everything you need from phonebanks to canvass sites here. Please 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
Click here to request your mail-in ballot and vote early!
MSU Unions Call on the Board to Enforce Their Own Policy
Members of the UNTF/Michigan State Extension Organizing Committee, alongside members of the MEA Tenure Track organizing committee, addressed the MSU Board of Trustees this past Friday asking that the board honor their voluntary recognition policy and stop the delay tactics of the MSU Human Resource Department management. It has been months since both groups asked for recognition from the university under the MSU Board’s union recognition policy. Outside the board meeting, a joint AFT/MEA rally was held in support of all workers on campus who want to unionize. The message of the day was stop the delays and start the card counts!
EMUFT hosts HELU Higher Education Unity Summit
On October 22, EMUFT hosted a Higher Education Labor United (HELU) Unity Summit. Representatives from 8 higher education unions from across the state attended, including members of LEO, WAU, UM-Flint AFT/AAUP, as well as faculty from Grand Valley State University and staff and academic unions from EMU. State Representative Samantha Steckloff, chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Higher Education, spoke with participants about higher education funding in the state and the need for members of the higher education community to contact legislators to help them better understand the financial needs of the higher education institutions in the state. Participants firmly agreed that coalition building across unions and constituencies is a must to make the systematic changes needed in higher education especially in the areas of funding and the poor salary and working conditions of contingent faculty. WAU at Wayne State will host another HELU conference in the spring of 2025. Look for more information on this upcoming event in future newsletters.
AFT Election Town Hall – Wednesday, October 30
Join us for the last 2024 election town hall. During this election—the most consequential of my lifetime—we have tried to do everything through the lens of how to improve the lives of our members, your families and your communities. Now, just days before Nov. 5, get updates on our program and how the election work is going. President Randi Weingarten will be answering questions that members submit about the election. And there will be a special guest.
Last week, Randi posted this video about the stakes of the election. Now it’s up to us to vote and get out the vote.
Register for the town hall right now, and submit your questions.
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 Solidarity Sewing – Nov 23
Join us for a fun afternoon of sewing and other fiber crafts on Saturday, November 23, 2024,at 11am to 3pm. Bring your sewing machine, project materials, and snacks to share with your fellow AFT Michigan union siblings. Learn about the union-building work other activists are involved in at their locals and enjoy an afternoon of sewing and crafting.
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
