11/17/23 Newsletter

Dear colleagues,
Even as we come closer to the holidays, we’re continuing our efforts to grow our union. Remember: only once a majority of staff in Student & Instructional Services join USU will we be able to claim our place at the table to negotiate the improvements and protections we need at work.

Luckily, we’re not alone! Labor is on the march all across the university. Our siblings among Michigan Medicine clinical staff have reached majority support for their union, UMMAP, in two more groups: Medical Assistants and Behavioral Health workers. They’ll be applying for official union recognition very soon. At the same time, lecturers have begun bargaining their new contract through their union, LEO. They’re seeking big pay increases to cover inflation, improved job security, and better control of their workloads, among other priorities

But what do we want? Why are staff organizing? We’ll be featuring a few members’ answers to that question in each newsletter:

"When I started in my previous research position pre-COVID, we had an eight-person team. Over just a few months, three coordinators left for higher-paying positions. Their work was redistributed among the five of us who remained, but their pay was not. The working environment rapidly became unsustainable, and with no power to address those issues, I eventually had to move on as well. The ability to negotiate pay and protect against job creep will make a tremendous difference for UM staff." "Staff spend time and often our own resources building our skills, engage in continuing education, and take on leadership roles within our units. Yet many staff stay in the same job for years without the chance to move up. With a union, we can collectively advocate for equitable and transparent advancement opportunities, and pay increases that reflect our individual expertise and dedication to our work. As a USU organizer, I'm dedicated to helping my colleagues win the promotion process they deserve."

USU Coffee Hour

Argus Farm Stop (Packard St. Location)
11am-1pm Saturday 11/18

Join us for a coffee hour with fellow U-M staff on Saturday 11/18 from 11am-1pm to learn about organizing and build community amongst fellow workers. All staff are encouraged to come, and bring a friend! 1st drink is on USU.

Tell your story

One of the best ways to help others feel at ease in joining the union effort is to share your story about why you support USU. Please fill out this form or contact us to set up an interview

Upcoming Informational Sessions

Center for Academic Innovation
Virtual Session
Sunday 11/19 at 1pm
Email us for the Zoom information.

Voices of the Staff
Virtual Sessions
Wednesday 12/6 at 7pm
Email us for the Zoom information.

Dearborn Campus
Virtual Session
Every Thursday at 6:30pm
Email us for the Zoom information.