3/25/24 Newsletter

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all the benefits we’ve earned, University payroll will see that you are a member – this is when dues will begin to be withdrawn.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

I joined USU because I believe that U-M staff members are overlooked and undervalued. Strong unions ensure that our vital contributions to the success of the University of Michigan will never be taken for granted. Unions allow us to amplify our voices, emboldening us to advocate for our values in solidarity with the World's workers! -Lee Seramur, Digital Asset Management Architect When I started working full-time at UM two years ago, I was finishing my doctorate. Now that I've defended, I want to ensure my career in publishing has room for advancement here at the university, and that our DEIA initiatives go beyond the performative. Joining a staff union means that we can collectively advocate for each other and ourselves, and protect what we love about our jobs. -Marisa Mercurio, PhD Publishing

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

Leo Lecturer Bargaining 2024. Ann Arbor Open Bargaining. When: Friday, April 5 from 10 AM - 1 PM, Where: Great Lakes South/Central Room on 4th floor of Palmer Commons on Ann Arbor Campus, What: Its time to pack the room to show your support for LEO lecturers as we bargain for a fair contract! Allies are invited to attend LEO/U-M contract negotiations. Register at bit.ly/LEOopenbargaining or use the QR code!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 Social Hour, Friday 4/5/24, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Ashleys Ann Arbor (338 South State St, Ann Arbor). Join fellow organizers for a social hour to kick off the final weekend of our membership drive and build community. Family, friends, and partners welcome.
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

Date Change! Paint the Rock with USU, Saturday April 13th, 1 PM EST. Join fellow organizers, friends, and family to build comradery, celebrate our wins, and paint the rock in USU colors. George Washington Park, Washtenaw Ave and Hill St, Ann Arbor. Email amallett@aftmichigan.org with questions.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