Why Should Late-Career Staff Join USU?
Those of us who are late in our careers might think that it’s too late for a union to do us any good. Of course, the best time for staff to have formed a union would have been years ago. If we’d been organized before COVID, we wouldn’t have had our pay frozen, and Michigan Medicine management couldn’t have taken away retirement matching in 2020. But, as they say, the second best time is now, both for ourselves and for our younger colleagues.
Together, we can keep ourselves secure in our jobs for as long as we still want or need to work here, with protection against unfair discipline, ageism and other forms of discrimination, and unilateral changes to our benefits. We can push for salaries that reflect our years of experience – and even a raise we only see for a few years before retiring will help increase our Social Security benefit. We can fight to stop, and even reverse, the relentless increases in the cost of retiree healthcare.
Just as importantly, we can leave a better University for those who will remain here after us. Our newer colleagues need us to stand with them, because what we do or fail to do now will change the whole course of their careers. We can contribute our experience and institutional knowledge to our union’s strategy, and as long as we’re here, we can contribute our votes. Remember: every one of us counts, so choosing not to sign a union card by April 7 is equivalent to voting for no union. We can’t sit on the sidelines! Join more than 700 of us in signing your card now.
Why Should Early-Career Staff Join USU?
Those of us who are new to UM might feel we don’t know enough yet to make a decision as important as forming a union. Should we defer to our more senior colleagues, who know what has been working and not working for staff at the University?
Is it even safe for new staff still on probation to sign a union card?
This is a big decision, but with so much to gain, it’s one we can’t just leave to others. UM can be an awesome place to work, and we can make great careers here – if we do what it takes now to secure our futures. We’ll need our pay to keep up with the cost of living. We’ll need opportunities to advance, to develop professionally, and to have our experience recognized as we grow. We’ll need protection to ensure that our workloads stay manageable, that we can keep or improve upon our flexible work arrangements, and that we’re treated fairly even as supervisors come and go. Many of us will need – or already do need – affordable and accessible childcare. Most of all, we need to be at the table when all these decisions are made.
USU is how we gain a voice in all the decisions that affect our jobs, the decisions that are now being made every day by management without our input. To make that voice real, we need majority support to gain recognition for our union. Remember: every one of us counts, so choosing not to sign a union card by April 7 is equivalent to voting for no union. We can’t sit on the sidelines! Join more than 700 of us in signing your card now.
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.
Join us on LinkedIn!
University Staff United recently started a group on LinkedIn and we’d like to see you there! Join us to discuss work related issues and share with the community: University Staff United at the University of Michigan.
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.
Request for Input re: Disability & Discipline
We have had a request from a member of one of the Faculty Senate committees, which is trying to advocate the removal of discriminatory language, especially language that is not compliant with the ADA, from the SPGs having to do with discipline. One of the SPGs, 201.12, is focused on Staff. They are looking for a thoughtful and informed individual from University Staff United for the committee to try and partner with on that issue. If you are interested, please contact Ariel Mallett (amallett@aftmichigan.org) as soon as possible.
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.
Union Solidarity Rally
USU members marched in solidarity with other unions across campus to support the 5 unions who are in active bargaining with UM management. Terese Theophilus spoke on behalf of USU and told our sibling unions about her experience as an underpaid, overworked childcare teacher on campus. Unions all across campus are fighting for better wages and appropriately distributed work loads. Join us now by signing your card to ensure our rights as workers are protected.
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Upcoming Events
Paint the Rock w/ USU – March 23rd 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.
Friday 4/5: LEO Open Bargaining in Ann Arbor
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.
AFT Michigan International Workers Caucus – 2nd Monday of Each Month
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, April 8th at 5pm EST. RSVP 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
A previous version of this newsletter misspelled Terese Theophilus’ name.