Counseling Services to merge with UHS
After years of seeing Counseling Services staff on all campuses overworked and under-compensated, we’re watching with concern the news that Ann Arbor CAPS is merging with University Health Services. Our CAPS staff have been a lifeline to students throughout the pandemic, and the current socio-political climate, yet this merger was proposed and conducted without their input. It’s still unclear what impact the merger will have on the work lives of counselors, but if the recent experience of Michigan Medicine social workers is a guide, increasing workloads and micromanagement are likely.
While change in our workplaces is inevitable, all staff deserve transparency and support during times of uncertainty, and a seat at the table in the decisions that affect our lives. It’s now even more urgent for CAPS counselors, and all staff, to gain recognition as a union so that we’ll have the right to negotiate for a workload that promotes care and professional growth.
“Will we lose our benefits?”
We’re often asked, “will we lose our benefits when we form a union?” This is an important question on its own, since many of us work at UM primarily for the benefits! But it also speaks to an even larger point about what it means to unionize and how bargaining works, so bear with us while we explain why we don’t need to be afraid that we’ll lose our benefits:
Once we gain recognition as a union, we’ll figure out together what our goals should be for bargaining. Volunteers will form a Bargaining Committee, which will conduct surveys, interviews, and open meetings for members. We’ll generate lists of both the changes we want to see at work as well as the things we’re happy with, and then members will vote on those goals.
We’ll elect a Bargaining Team, made up of staff from across the University, who will negotiate our contract. We’ll propose the changes we want, plus the existing policies we want to see protected in our union contract. Management will make their own proposals; since management is in charge of everything now, they usually propose to keep everything the same.
From that starting point, we’ll all have to do two things to reach an agreement that meets our needs:
- Stay informed about bargaining, provide feedback to our bargaining team, and consider any compromises that management may propose.
- Show up and be visible to push management to agree to the changes we need.
At the end of the day, we’ll all vote on whether to approve the resulting contract.
Here’s the key: we’re in the driver’s seat! Our union is us, so we decide. Next time you wonder “what will that benefit/policy/rule be like with a union?”, ask yourself:
How do I think it should work?
And will I do my part to make it happen?
Everything you need to Know about House Calls
Spring is here, and our campaign is in full swing! Our goal is to talk with each and every staff member in the Academic, Student, and Instructional Services Job families this Spring before our deadline in early April. These one-to-one conversations give staff a chance to tell their stories, and help organizers learn more about the experiences staff have in our workplace. USU organizers will be visiting homes and reaching out to individual staff via email and social media. For some staff, a visit at home is the only way to feel safe enough to talk. Follow this link to read some FAQs about house calls.
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; University management 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.
Upcoming Events
Solidarity Rally – Postponed to March 16th at 1pm
Join us in the Diag this Saturday, 3/16, for the Multi Union Solidarity Rally. Let’s show the university that we will always stand with workers! Register here.
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 Saturday March 23rd at 1pm to paint the rock in USU colors. Paint supplies will be provided, but bring paint rollers and paint trays if you have them! Join us for this family friendly event – RSVP here.
AFT Michigan International Workers Caucus
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
This Friday: 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.
RSVP for LEO Open Bargaining here and sign up for USU carpooling 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
Contact us to ask for meeting info
Weekly Drop-in – After Hours
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
Contact us to ask for meeting info