Detroit Federation of Teachers

Election Committee is Sworn In

Four Election Committee members were sworn in at the April General Membership Meeting. Serving a two year term will be Onza Stokes, Laura Watts, Devette Brown and Julia Hunko. We thank these members for their service to the members of the DFT. Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, looks on. Be sure to say hello to Election Committee when you sign in at the May General Membership meeting.

Marcus Garvey students watch solar eclipse

Marcus Garvey Students Watching the Eclipse

The solar eclipse came at the end of the school day, just in time for these Marcus Garvey students to put on their special glasses and mask to watch as the moon passed over the sun. Students across the city were doing the same. It was an astronomical event for all of us!

Posey, Wilson-Lumpkins, Weiss, Martin at town hall

DFT Leadership Participates in Town Hall Meeting

At a town hall hosted by State Representative, Regina Weiss, three of our leaders attended the forum: DFT Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lunmpkins, and AFT Michigan President, Terrence Martin. Many union members were in attendance to listen to the information.

US Senate Candidate Addresses the Membership

.A candidate for the US Senate from Michigan, Hil Harper, came before the DFT General Membership meeting in April to ask for an endorsement by the union. He spoke to members about his support for unions, being a card-carrying member of one himself, as well as the reasons he would like our support in the upcoming August primary. The union will be hosting other candidates who are also seeking our endorsements.

WHAT'S NEW: 2023-2024 Class Size Overage Supplemental Pay

Click here for the letter of agreement which addresses oversize classes for the 2023-2024 school year.

WHAT'S NEW: District Approves Tentative Agreement

At the September DPSCD Regular Board Meeting, school board members voted to approve the tentative agreement which was ratified by members late last month. President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins and the negotiating team are excited about the 6% raise that bargaining unit members will receive, which is the largest increase in salary in 34 years. Other highlights of the agreement include

Teachers with 15 years or more of experience will get a longevity bonus of $4,500. Teachers with less than 15 years of experience are to receive a $2,000 retention bonus.
Ancillary Staff will receive a $2,000 bonus.
All full-time DFT members are to receive a $2,000 bonus in November, while part-time members are to get a $1,000 bonus, in addition to the longevity and retention bonuses.
All new hires will be on the salary schedule.

Read the entire document of the tentative agreement here: https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/096/060/original/DFT-DPSCD_2023-2024_Ratification_Packet_8.21.23_corrected.pdf

WHAT'S NEW: Tentative Agreement Is Ratified

We have concluded the ratification vote of the tentative agreement.

YES: 1121

NO: 406

The negotiating team of President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, Executive Vice President Jason Posey, Labor Affairs Administrator, Karin Whittler, Retirement Counselor/Financial Analyst, Patrick Falcusan and Atttorney, Marshall Widick sincerely appreciate the vote of confidence that has been given by our members in ratifying this agreement.

WHAT'S NEW: Tentative Agreement Has Been Reached

We Have a Tentaive Agreement, Members Will Receive Email About special Informational meeting

The Detroit Public Schools Community District and the Detroit Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 231, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a tentative agreement for a successor collective bargaining agreement for the 2023-24 school year. The DFT Executive Board went into special session this evening and unanimously agreed to present the tentative agreement to the membership for a ratification vote. All DFT bargaining unit members are expected to report to work, tomorrow, August 21, 2023 at the start of your work day.

According to the Constitution and By-laws of the union, only members who are in good standing may cast a ballot on the tentative agreement.

Weingarten launches new campaign: ‘Real Solutions for Kids and Communities’

Photo of AFT President Randi Weingarten addressing TEACH 2023

The AFT has always been a solutions-driven union, and our new campaign, launched during TEACH on July 21, proves it once again with a fresh, practical approach to strengthening public education. As AFT President Randi Weingarten pointed out during her keynote speech, the $5 million, yearlong campaign, “Real Solutions for Kids and Communities,” stands up against attacks on public schools and offers real-world solutions to build up, rather than break down, our communities.

WHAT'S NEW: Rally Not Sanctioned by DFT

The Detroit Federation of Teachers has NOT organized a rally at the Fisher Building today. Due to extreme temperatures, Central Office has limited employees. Rallying outside of the Fisher Building will be demonstrative of a photo op.

In the past 5 years, we have moved hourly employees to salary, restored longevity, reoccurring retention bonuses-including our retirees and long-term substitutes, MA step 15 has increased over 20%, and most recently repealed prohibited subjects by lobbying in Lansing and more! We have and will continue to push forward for competitive compensation for all.

If members are concerned and want to move negotiations forward, you should email all of the district's elected school board members your concerns for this ongoing round of negotiations.