“What [We] Win at the Bargaining Table Can Be Taken Away in the Legislative Halls.”
These were the words of Walter Reuther, the legendary UAW President. And educators know how true this is. We have seen it. We have felt it.
Let me be crystal clear. If we had won at the ballot box in 2010 and 2014, we would still be able to bargain discipline and discharge, placement, and evaluations for teachers. Teacher tenure would not have been severely undermined. We would have payroll deduction of dues in K-12. Research Assistants at universities would be covered by our collective bargaining law.
If we had lost at the ballot box in 2018 we would have vouchers and voter suppression laws instead of record setting education budgets.
This next week is our last chance to make sure we win at the ballot box and elect candidates who support public education, health care for all, and our unions. Our last chance to make sure we do everything possible for the benefit of the students and patients we serve, those we represent, and those who came before us.
Thank you to those who have canvassed and phone banked to elect our allies. You are doing the work for our entire membership.
To those who haven’t had the opportunity to canvass or phone bank, the week ahead is your last chance to help elect candidates who have our values, who support our issues and who will strive to reverse the policies of the Snyder Administration and enact laws that support our students, our patients, and all working people.
Do You Want What is Best for Public Education and Health Care?
Join us and help elect those who support us and our students. Talk with union members about the importance of voting for labor endorsed candidates. For those who are physically able, join us at these AFL-CIO Get Out The Vote Walks.
| AFL-CIO GOTV Walks 11/5-11/8 9am, 12pm and 3pmAll of the registration links with times/addresses can be found here: https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/labor-2022-campaign-events |
| Launch Location | City |
| UAW Vote Center | Detroit |
| IBEW 252 | Ann Arbor |
| UAW Region 1 | Warren |
| UAW Region 1A | Taylor |
| Michigan AFL-CIO | Lansing |
| United Trades Building | Marquette |
Let us know if you would rather phone bank and we will send you the information. If your geographic area is not covered by these walks, let us know and we will plug you into walks in your community. Thank you again to all those who are doing this incredibly important work.
Weingarten & Pringle Kick Off RedForEd Canvass in Taylor
The Taylor Federation of Teachers office was packed this past Saturday as AFT Michigan and MEA leaders and activists rallied with AFT President Randi Weingarten and NEA President Becky Pringle and then knocked on doors to get out the vote. Randi and Becky brought home the importance of this election, both on fighting for public education and quality health care and fighting for our democracy. When the top three Republican candidates in Michigan are election deniers, we are certainly fighting for our democracy. Thank you to all who came out to rally and knock on doors. And thank you to Taylor Federation of Teachers President Linida Moore and Vice President Terry Devlin for hosting.
MEA President Paula Herbart and I kicked-off Sunday’s canvass in Ann Arbor. After hearing from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and State Representative candidate Carrie Rheingans (a member of the Lecturer Employees’ Organization, AFT 6244), AFT Michigan and MEA activists knocked on doors to get out the vote. Thank you to all who came out to make a difference.
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!
“Big Gretch” Bus Tour Across Michigan
Gov. Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist, and many special guests will be criss-crossing Michigan over the next week through the election. Check out the schedule below to see when they’ll be in your area!
Tuesday, 11.1
9:30am Grand Rapids Canvass Kickoff – One Campaign- 301 Fuller Ave – Mobilize
3:30pm Oakland Women’s Event – Three Cats/Leon & Lulu, 116 W 14 Mile Rd – Mobilize
Wednesday, 11.2
1:45pm Mt. Pleasant Canvass Kickoff – 2316 S Mission St – Mobilize
5:30pm Traverse City GOTV event – Right Brain Brewery, 225 E Sixteenth St
Thursday, 11.3
5:00pm Macomb GOTV Event – UAW Region 1, 27800 George Merrelli Dr. – Mobilize
Friday, 11.4
3:00pm Ypsilanti Canvass Kickoff – 418 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti – Mobilize
5:00pm UM-Ann Arbor Rally – UM Diag – mobilize
Saturday, 11.5
10:00am Lansing – Vote March – Washington Park, 2516 S. Washington Ave – Mobilize
4:00pm Warren Rally – IBEW, 2277 E 11 Mile Rd – mobilize
5:00pm Detroit Rally – African American History Museum – mobilize
Sunday, 11.6
2:30pm Pontiac GOTV Event – Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S Saginaw St – Mobilize
6:00 pm Grand Rapids Rally – GVSU PEW campus
Monday, 11.7
6:00 pm East Lansing Rally – MSU Auditorium Field – Mobilize
#AFTVotes Telephone Town Hall
We know you’re ready to cast your ballot, but we also need to all get out the vote. Bring friends and family to the polls. Tell your community about the candidates on the ballot who care about the issues that keep you up at night. Our votes matter.
Professional Development
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
PAEMST is looking for outstanding educators from the AFT! These are the highest honors bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teaching.
The award recognizes teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Since the program’s inception, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
Are you interested in learning more about PAEMST? Visit www.paemst.org and apply today!
Do you know a teacher who is deserving of this high accolade? Nominate them here!
Special Education Teacher Survey
The AFT would like to gather ideas from special education teachers regarding the need for specific areas of professional learning. Please take some time and complete the brief survey to assist us in providing you with the most relevant and contemporary topics.
In solidarity
David Hecker
President
