Sign up for Red for Ed Walks
Join us as we canvass to support pro-public education candidates around the state. If you are interested in joining an upcoming canvass, please reach out to tsparks@aftmichigan.org or jware@aftmichigan.org or register using the links above to get involved.
Become a Democracy Defender Today!
This year, the threat of election interference is real and serious. It won’t be enough to vote for candidates who can deliver on our policy goals; we’ll also have to fight to ensure our votes count. AFT is asking every local to designate a point person for election protection through the Democracy Defenders program. Talk with your local leaders, then identify your point person to your AFT Michigan Field Rep or Constituency Coordinator.
AFT recently joined a coalition of unions and allies to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement to polling places.
The goal in this lawsuit is to ensure all those eligible to vote, particularly those protected under our civil rights laws, can access the ballot box free from coercion and interference. For these midterms, we are doing everything we can to reassure Americans that voting is safe and secure.
Read more about the lawsuit here.
MCCFO Ratifies New Contract!
After months of tough negotiations, and thanks to active members and allies, the full-time faculty at Macomb Community College (MCCFO # 6526) ratified a new contract with excellent wins. They secured raises of 13% over the life of the new contract, as well as 2% additional pay each year for faculty at the top step.
They also highlight increases in non-contributory pay, decreasing the number of years at specific percentages and increasing the percentages at most levels. Faculty received non-contributory increases from 0.5% to 3% of base salary.
While the new contract does increase the capacity in online courses from 26 to 28 students, union members were able to maintain their long-term disability benefit, which Administration wanted to take away as it already has done to many other unions at Macomb.
Congrats to the bargaining team and to members for fighting together for these strong gains!
Is Sept. 30 Your SAVE Deadline?
The Department of Education is beginning to move 7+ million borrowers off the SAVE plan. As part of this process, borrowers will receive a notice from their servicer informing them of a 90 day window to select a new repayment plan.
This process is rolling but formal notices began on July 1. If yours arrived in early July 2026, your deadline to pick a new federal repayment plan is September 30. Miss it, and your payment automatically switches to one based on your loan balance instead of your income, causing a big jump in your monthly bill.
The good news: you have options, and picking the right one now can save you money.
What To Do Right Now:
- Check the date on your notice for your specific deadline.
- Deadline coming soon? Use Summer’s platform to compare your plan options and apply
- Have more time? Read our guide to navigating the SAVE transition.
- Not sure what plan you’re on? Log into Summer to check your loans and see where you stand.
Union Building Institute for Worksite Leaders- October 5-6, 5:30-6:30 PM
Are you a workplace leader looking to develop your union leadership skills? Wondering where to start when it comes to being a building representative, steward, or engaged union member? Workplace leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to support members develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of October 5th. Sessions are focused on core areas of AFT Michigan’s Power Wheel and include skills you can take back to your workplace the next day around organizing, communicating, and representing your colleagues!
All UBI sessions are over Zoom starting at 5:30 PM. Learn more about them and register at aftmichigan.org/events.
Planning for Retirement Starts Now
This past Saturday, AFT Michigan hosted its first Pre-Retirement Information Session for members, providing an opportunity to learn more about Michigan’s public employee retirement system and what members need to know as they prepare for the next chapter.
Members had the opportunity to get information about retirement eligibility, benefits, the retirement process, and resources available to help them make informed decisions about their future. The session also provided members with the opportunity to ask questions and better understand how their years of service can translate into retirement benefits.
Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but having the right information can make the process easier.
Didn’t make Saturday’s session? There are more opportunities coming!
In-Person Pre-Retirement Information Session: 04/24/2027 11:00am to 1:00pm
Virtual Pre-Retirement Information Session: 04/27/2027 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Whether retirement is a few years away or you’re simply beginning to think about your future, it’s never too early to get informed.
Share My Lesson: Common Sense Media Digital Literacy & Well-Being for Grades 9-12
Deepfake nudes and consent. Doxing. Artificial intelligence and chatbots. Explore new digital literacy and well-being lessons that help high school students navigate the digital issues they’re encountering right now.
Hispanic Heritage Month
This week, we’re looking at the stories, experiences and relationships that shape learning—from Hispanic heritage and bilingual books to digital well-being and lessons learned over 25 years in the classroom.
Bring Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) into the classroom through stories, history and culture. Find lessons and activities that highlight the diverse experiences and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
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
