The AFL-CIO’s “It's Better in a Union” bus tour rolled into Michigan this week and was featured at two events in the Detroit area.
The bus arrived at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor on Wednesday to greet more than 800 Ironworkers who were assembled there from across the country for an apprenticeship training. Participants walked through the bus, picked up some union gear and shared their stories about why it’s better in a union—highlighting the union values of freedom, fairness and security.
On Thursday, the bus tour was hosted by UAW Region 1 in Warren. Members from dozens of unions gathered to hear speeches by Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber, UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English, and their brothers, sisters and siblings from AFGE, the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Speakers shared powerful stories about the likely devastating impacts of President Trump’s recently passed budget bill—calling out Rep. John James for his vote for a bill that will harm so many working people in Michigan.
“Working people in Michigan are fired up and ready to build power,” said state federation President Bieber. “This tour is about making it crystal clear: we demand the freedom to join a union, the fairness of an economy that works for us—not billionaires—and the security of a future we can count on. Our movement is growing, and we won’t stop until every worker in this country has a real shot at the American Dream.”