Will We Have to Strike?
When unions are in the news, it’s often because workers are on strike. And here at UM, we have first-hand experience with the long and bitter strike waged last year by graduate student workers in GEO. We know how risky, painful, and disruptive a strike can be. Of course, stopping work is also a very powerful source of leverage – GEO members, autoworkers, and writers and actors have all won huge improvements to their working conditions recently through strikes. So will we, staff, have to go on strike?
That’s up to us, the members of USU. In talking with thousands of staff, we’ve learned that as a group, we care deeply about our work and our students. For many staff, it’s also a high priority to maintain positive working relationships throughout a long career at UM. For those reasons, stopping work is a step we would only take as a last resort. But if we ever feel that we can’t live with the version of our jobs that management is offering, and we’ve tried every other source of leverage, then we will have the option available to us, and we’ll decide together. An effective strike requires a very high rate of participation, so we’d need an overwhelming consensus that the power of a strike would be worth the risks.
All of that is pretty heady. The fact is that the vast majority of union negotiations, including at UM, don’t involve strikes. In the past few years, UM physician assistants, lecturers, and librarians, archivists, and curators have won big pay increases, workload protections, paths to promotion, redress against harassment and discrimination, and a lot more through creative collective power without having to strike. That can be us, too – but only if we take our seat at the table. Help make sure USU is recognized by signing your own union card and by talking to your coworkers about signing theirs!
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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How does the repeal of Right to Work affect us?
The repeal of Right to Work won’t affect USU at all. So called Right to Work laws ban the collection of dues from people who choose not to join a union. In 2023, Michigan became the first state to repeal a right to work law, but it only affects private sector workers. Because we’re public employees, we can’t be required to join a union or to pay agency fees, due to the 2018 Supreme Court ruling Janus vs AFSCME, which supersedes state law.
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 Events
Solidarity Rally – March 9th at 1pm
Join us in the Diag on Saturday, 3/9, for the Multi Union Solidarity Rally. Let’s show the university that we will always stand with workers!
Paint the Rock w/ USU – March 10th at 1pm
Gather with fellow staff at UM to join in a fun University of Michigan tradition – painting the rock! Join us on Sunday March 10th at 1pm to paint the rock in USU colors. RSVP here.
AFT Michigan International Workers Caucus – March 11th at 5pm
AFT-Michigan invites you to join fellow international workers to discuss challenges of being a visa holder in the workplace. Join us and build a space for community, conversation, and action around immigration issues for international workers. USU members & potential members are eligible to attend! We will hold monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month. Our next meeting is Monday, March 11th at 5pm EST. RSVP here
Save the Date: LEO Open Bargaining in Flint 3/15/24
Join union siblings of all types 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. More information will be available in our next newsletter – including social events for USU members after open bargaining.
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