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AFT Civil Human Women's Rights Conference

Detroit Hosts AFT National Conference

The DFT sent a delegation to the biennial conference for Civil, Human and Women's Rights, which was held in the Motor City. President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins greeted visitors from across the country.

Windsor Federation of Teachers with DFT

World Teachers' Day in Canada

The DFT was invited to participate with our Union colleagues in Windsor, Ontario for a discussion on the state of education in our countries. This event was held to commemorate World Teachers' Day.

482 forward at dft e board meeting

Invest in MI Kids Addresses DFT

The executive board heard from 482 Forward as they explain the ballot initiative, Invest in MI Kids. The DFT is a community partner with this organization and supports this proposal to raise new funds for local school districts.

building rep training

Professional Development for Our Building Representatives

Our building representatives participated in the first training of the year. There's always something to learn and the discussions are lively!

Invest in MI Kids Ballot Initiative

Invest in MI Kids

WHAT IS THE INVEST IN MI KIDS PROPOSAL?

Read the full proposal here (It's short! Read it!) 

Constitutional amendment to: add, beginning in 2027, an additional 5% tax on annual taxable income over $1 million for joint filers and over $500,000 for single filers. This tax is in addition to existing state income taxes, and is to be deposited into the State School Aid Fund and required to be used exclusively on local school district classrooms, career and technical education, reducing class sizes, and recruiting and retaining teachers; and subject funds to annual audits.

Petitions are being circulated now. This ballot proposal needs 700,000 signatures. You can view the sign-up link here: Invest in MI Kids Volunteer Hub or call the DFT Office to see how you can help. Petitions will be available at all DFT General Membership meetings.

Historic Merger of DFT and DFP

Donna Jackson with Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins

Press Conference Announcing the Merger of the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals with the Detroit Federation of Teachers

The Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) and the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals (DFP) will formally announce their merger, uniting thousands of education professionals under one strong collective voice. Union leaders will outline the impact of this historic merger on Detroit’s educators, students, and families.

When: Thursday, September 11, 2025 @ 4:30 p.m.
Where:  IBEW Local 58, 1358 Abbott Street, Detroit, MI 48226, parking lot entrance is off Porter Street
Who:
  • Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, President, Detroit Federation of Teachers
  • Terrence Martin, President, American Federation of Teachers Michigan
  • Donna Jackson, Former President, Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals
  • Other union and community leaders

DFT Reaction to Visit By Secretary of Education

Click to read the Press Release of Secretary of Education's Visit to Detroit

We are deeply disappointed in the visits from U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and State Representative Matt Hall, given their ongoing support for billions of dollars in proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and the overdue Michigan budget. Both President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins and Executive Vice President Jason Posey are highly concerned about the implications of reduced funding for all public schools and in particular the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Read the press release in its entirety.

DFT Retirees Sept. & Oct. Meeting Location

There is a change of location for the September and October DFT 231 Retirees Chapter meeting. The chapter will be meeting in the conference room at AFT Michigan, David Hecker Building, @ 2661 E. Jefferson, in Detroit. The time remains the same: 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

AFT and Labor Day Parades

DFT is proud of its participation in the Labor Day Parades held around the country along with our fellow AFT locals: AFT Labor Day 2025

We are pleased that AFT National's Executive Vice President, Evelyn DeJesus, came to our city to speak to Detroit's labor union members and parade participants: AFT National EVP Address at Detroit Labor Day March

Labor Day Parade September 1, 2025

labor day parade
 

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Metro Detroit Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 1, 2025. AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus and AFT Michigan President Terrence Martin will be kicking off our program! We NEED you to turn out and show we are ready to fight and WIN for workers. We need all members to meet us at 7:30am at the corner of Sixth St. and Michigan Avenue (look for AFT Michigan flags and members in blue shirts). We will be holding a short program and distributing t-shirts before step-off. We look forward to celebrating our wins as a Labor movement.

The DFT will be marching, carrying our parade banners. The march will end at the Michigan Central Train Station 2001 15th St in Detroit. Join us in solidarity! It will be a fitting way to celebrate the 131st year that Labor Day has been a federal holiday recognizing the social and economic achievements of the American worker.