April 7 Deadline to Sign Union Cards in Student/Instructional Services
UM staff have been talking about a union for a long time now – some as far back as 2020, or informally even earlier. Through all of those thousands of conversations, a few things have become clear. Although most of us have plenty of good things to say about our jobs, we also need to see change: protection from job creep and overwork, opportunities for advancement, pay that respects the value of our work and that keeps up with the cost of living. For some, those needs are urgent, and the way for us to get them met is to build our union and gain a seat at the bargaining table.
So after a lot of talk, it’s time for us to make a decision. We’re setting April 7, 2024 as the deadline to sign your union card. You can think of the current USU membership drive as like a vote. If a majority of staff in Student & Instructional Services sign union cards – as more than 600 already have – then we can gain official recognition and start making the changes we need. There are no abstentions, so if you don’t sign your card by April 7, that’s equivalent to voting against the recognition of our union.
We know that this is a big decision. It’s reasonable to have questions and to be anxious about getting it right. But we owe it to ourselves and to each other to make time for that decision. Talk to a member of the USU Organizing Committee, get the reliable information you need, and then cast your vote for a better workplace by signing your card.
Signing Your Union Card – It’s Private
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all the benefits we’ve earned, University payroll will see that you are a member – this is when dues will begin to be withdrawn.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.
USU Visibility Week – A Success!
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.
Keep an eye out for future LEO open bargaining events in Flint on Friday 3/15/24 and Ann Arbor on Friday 4/5/24.
Info Sessions & Drop-In Hours
Virtual Session
Every Thursday at 6:30pm
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Weekly Drop-in – Lunch Hour
Wednesdays 12-1pm
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Weekly Drop-in – After Hours
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
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