Calls on Lansing Politicians to Put Workers and the People They Serve First
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 24, 2025
Contact: Leah Leszczynski, lleszczynski@miaflcio.org, 989.316.6044
LANSING, MI — Today, Michigan’s labor movement rallied outside of Lansing City Hall amid the looming shutdown of the state government. Affiliates including AFT, MSEA, SEIU, and the UAW called for Lansing politicians to pass a budget that puts workers and the people they serve first.
“I have never seen such chaos and dysfunction in the Michigan Legislature — and I’ve been around for a long time,” said Ron BIEBER, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Michigan workers deserve better than this nonsense. I urge our state legislators to find a way to pass a budget that puts workers and the people they serve first.”
“Educators are constantly asked to do more with less. This budget is no different. Republican Speaker Matt Hall said it makes sense for schools to ‘look at their options’ — even though he left us with none,” said Terrence MARTIN, president of AFT Michigan. “House Republicans have put all categorical funding — including school meals, rural transportation, and mental health programs — on the chopping block. How can kids succeed if they are hungry and have no way to get to school? Speaker Matt Hall’s budget is not only nonsensical, it’s cruel. AFT Michigan is fighting for a budget that puts kids and workers first, not one that leaves them behind.”
“While obstructing the state Constitution, the anti-worker Michigan House majority has also failed to put forward a legitimate budget,” said Mary McCLENDON, a CNA and member of SEIU Healthcare Michigan. “Their proposal slashes wages for nursing home and home care workers and shortchanges the very people who keep Michigan running — from caregivers and nurses to corrections officers and state employees. This attack on working people is unacceptable. We will advocate, mobilize and organize until lawmakers pass a pro-worker budget that puts Michiganders first.”
“Thousands of MSEA members keep the State of Michigan operating every day. For example, our MDOT Traffic Signal Electricians keep our roads running smoothly, our Michigan Conservation Officers respond to calls of service in rural areas where law enforcement is unavailable, the MDOC Maintenance Mechanics maintain our prisons systems, and our MSP Motor Carrier Officers patrol our highways,” said Erik BAILEY, executive director of MSEA. “Without these dedicated public servants performing their job duties, the citizens of the State of Michigan will be at risk. We urge lawmakers to come to the table so they can go to work, keeping the citizens of the State safe.”
“Public servants carry this state on their backs. Now, House Republicans are adding to that weight because they didn’t have the decency to put forth a serious budget proposal,” said Rachael DICKINSON, president of UAW Local 6000. “Working families — especially those of public servants — shouldn’t have to pay the price for Lansing lawmakers’ political games.”
The Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan’s largest labor organization, is a federation representing forty different labor organizations, eighteen different central labor councils, and eight constituency groups representing over 1 million union members and their families.
Video of the press conference is available here.
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