Management Can Afford to Pay Us Fairly
They just don’t choose to. And until we come together to demand better wages, we won’t get the fair pay that we deserve.
You may have heard from U-M upper management that much of the University’s money is earmarked for specific purposes. They will use this excuse to justify why they cannot increase staff salaries – but it isn’t as cut and dry as they would like us to believe. Last year, Howard Bunsis, Professor of Accounting at Eastern Michigan University and an expert in higher education finance, put together a full analysis of U-M’s budget.
Among the key findings:
- For its size, U-M has an unusually large “unrestricted reserve,” ie., money not connected to gifts or earmarked for specific purposes such as scholarships.
- U-M runs a large budget surplus each year, and spends less of the investment returns on its endowment money than do most of its peers.
- U-M has been spending a decreasing fraction of its budget on its employees, even as pay has fallen behind the rate of inflation.
- Spending on managers has increased faster than spending on non-managerial staff, especially on the Flint and Dearborn campuses.
Those interested in learning more can read the full 95-page report here.
Established unions on campus have been able to make big gains (LEO-GLAM was able to increase salaries by 17% on average, for example!) and so can staff if we come together to form our own union. If you’re ready to join us in the fight for better salaries, don’t wait! Join more than 750 of us in signing your card now. Your card is your vote YES for our union, so if you don’t sign by April 7th, that’s equivalent to voting for NO UNION.
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all the benefits we’ve earned, University payroll will see that you are a member – this is when dues will begin to be withdrawn.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.
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
Friday 4/5: LEO Open Bargaining in Ann Arbor
Join union siblings of all types to observe union bargaining with management. Open bargaining will take place from 10am-1pm at the Palmer Commons and lunch will be provided. Learn what a union can fight for and how we win! Review the LEO Lecturer Bargaining Platform Summary in advance. RSVP for LEO Open Bargaining here.
Friday 4/5: USU Social Hour
USU will be hosting a social hour for members, organizers, and interested members at 5pm at Ashley’s on state street. Join us to chat about our union and meet other members! This is a great opportunity to put a face to a name, get familiar with the people who make up our union, and get any questions answered if you’re hesitant about signing your card before the 4/7 deadline. RSVP for the USU Social Hour 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
Paint the Rock w/ USU – Postponed to April 13th at 1pm
Gather with fellow staff at UM to join in a fun University of Michigan tradition – painting the rock! Join us on Saturday April 13th at 1pm to paint the rock in USU colors, celebrate our wins, and build union camaraderie. 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.
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