Resources
Local History • Labor Education • HVALF Resources
Milestones in Huron Valley Labor History
1940s–1960s: Union Expansion & Public Worker Organizing
As union density grew across Michigan, workers in schools, public services, and healthcare began organizing for fair wages and dignity on the job. Public sector locals in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson, and beyond won contracts that lifted standards for entire communities.
1990s–2000s: University Workers Rise
Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and the University of Michigan became key sites of organizing. Lecturers, graduate workers, nurses, and staff built some of the most active education-sector locals in the state, many of which continue to lead contract campaigns and solidarity work today.
1970s–1980s: Civil Rights Meets Labor Rights
In the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, local unions in Washtenaw County began grappling more directly with racial equity and representation. Some helped lead broader campaigns for fair housing, anti-discrimination, and economic justice alongside faith and community allies.
2016: HVALF is Formed
The Huron Valley Central Labor Council transformed into the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation in 2016 when Jackson and Hillsdale Counties were added to the original jurisdiction of HVCLC, which was Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. With the support of AFL-CIO Solidarity Grants, HVALF became one of the most active Area Labor Federations in Michigan.
2020–Present: Pandemic, Protests, and Power
From the COVID-19 crisis to the rise of far-right attacks on workers, public services, and democracy, HVALF members have stepped up. We’ve turned out for strikes, helped lead anti-racist labor coalitions, defended reproductive rights, and trained hundreds of members to organize for a just transition in their workplaces and beyond.
Milestones in Huron Valley Labor History
1940s–1960s: Union Expansion & Public Worker Organizing
As union density grew across Michigan, workers in schools, public services, and healthcare began organizing for fair wages and dignity on the job. Public sector locals in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson, and beyond won contracts that lifted standards for entire communities.
1990s–2000s: University Workers Rise
Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and the University of Michigan became key sites of organizing. Lecturers, graduate workers, nurses, and staff built some of the most active education-sector locals in the state, many of which continue to lead contract campaigns and solidarity work today.
1970s–1980s: Civil Rights Meets Labor Rights
In the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, local unions in Washtenaw County began grappling more directly with racial equity and representation. Some helped lead broader campaigns for fair housing, anti-discrimination, and economic justice alongside faith and community allies.
2016: HVALF is Formed
The Huron Valley Central Labor Council transformed into the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation in 2016 when Jackson and Hillsdale Counties were added to the original jurisdiction of HVCLC, which was Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. With the support of AFL-CIO Solidarity Grants, HVALF became one of the most active Area Labor Federations in Michigan.
2020–Present: Pandemic, Protests, and Power
From the COVID-19 crisis to the rise of far-right attacks on workers, public services, and democracy, HVALF members have stepped up. We’ve turned out for strikes, helped lead anti-racist labor coalitions, defended reproductive rights, and trained hundreds of members to organize for a just transition in their workplaces and beyond.
You Are Part of This History
We don’t tell these stories just to honor the past, though the earlier generations who built the unions that make up the HVALF surely deserve our respect and gratitude. We tell them to inspire current members and leaders to continue the work of building our regional movement, in good times and bad. Every union meeting, every picket line, every worker who decides to fight back continues the legacy of those who came before.
The best way to honor labor history is to make more of it.
Join us. Get organized. Build power.
Political education: labor school
Organizing Workers. Understanding Power. Fighting to Win.
At HVALF, we know that building power isn’t just about actions—it’s about understanding the systems we’re up against and learning how workers have fought back throughout history. Political education helps us make sense of this moment, connect with each other across difference, and prepare to win lasting change.
Labor History and Strategy
“The Power in Our Hands” – UAW + Union Histories
“Our Labor History Timeline” – AFL-CIO
“Secrets of a Successful Organizer” – Labor Notes
"No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age" – Jane McAlevey
"From the Folks Who Brought You the Weekend" – Priscilla Murolo & A.B. Chitty
“What Do We Mean by Just Transition?” – Climate Justice Alliance
We encourage locals and committees to run short-term study groups using these materials. We can help you to:
➤ Choose a focus (e.g. strikes, democracy, race and labor)
➤ Find a facilitator
➤ Organize a 3–session series with optional guest speakers
Reach out to Staff Organizer, Mark Tallents at markt@huronvalleyalf.org!