Are We Really Getting By?
We’re used to thinking of UM as a good place to work, where we can do something meaningful with great benefits. But are we really getting by? Many staff have shared in our conversations that they can only afford to work here by keeping up a second job or side hustle, because someone else in the family is making better wages, or by living so far away that they spend hours commuting.
The numbers bear out our experience. Even on the Ann Arbor campus, 45% of USU-eligible student services and instructional support staff will earn less than $55,188 this year. That’s the minimum income level the United Way considered “stable” in Washtenaw County – for a single adult in 2021. Of course, prices aren’t what they were in 2021, many of us are supporting children or other dependents, and pay on the Flint and Dearborn campuses is even lower!
We deserve better. We deserve “stable:” a middle-class income of our own, at one job, with security and opportunities to grow. And we can have all that, like thousands of members of other unions across the University – but only if we stand up for ourselves and for each other. It starts with signing your union card, asking your coworkers to sign theirs, or getting involved to grow our union. Don’t put it off.
Seeking Social Media Manager
Are you passionate about your union but only have a few hours to commit each month? We need YOU to help us run our USU Instagram and USU Facebook pages. We’re looking for folks with creative ideas and social media skills to increase engagement with our online audience. This is a volunteer position and a great opportunity to get involved with your union! Email Ariel with your interest at amallett@aftmichigan.org.
It’s Safe to Sign!
Did you know that signing your union card is confidential? Your name and signature will be stored in a database only the union organizers can access. When we file for recognition, a neutral third party will verify employees’ signed cards; the University does not receive the list.
Once we have won our first contract and begun receiving all the benefits we’ve earned, University payroll will see that you are a member – this is when dues will begin to be withdrawn. Of course, we’ll only reach this point once a majority of staff in our group sign up, so you’ll be in good company.
Staff Voices
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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.
Friday, Feb 16th LEO Open Bargaining @ Dearborn
Friday 2/16/24 from 10am-1pm in Kochoff Hall in the Dearborn Campus University Center + USU Social from 5-7pm at Biergarten on Michigan Ave
Join union siblings of all types on the Dearborn campus in Kochoff Hall at the Dearborn Campus University Center to observe union bargaining with management. Learn what a union can fight for and how we win! Review the LEO Lecturer Bargaining Platform Summary in advance. LEO is hosting a lunch hour for allies from 12-1pm, and USU will be hosting a social hour for folks from 5-7pm at the end of the day. We’ll be meeting at the Biergarten at 22184 Michigan Ave in Dearborn. RSVP for LEO Open Bargaining here.
Info Sessions & Drop-In Hours
Virtual Session
Every Thursday at 6:30pm
Contact us to ask for meeting info
Weekly Drop-in – Lunch Hour
Wednesdays 12-1pm
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Weekly Drop-in – After Hours
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
Contact us to ask for meeting info