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7/8/24 Newsletter

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Merit Raises vs. Union Raises

The regents recently announced raises of 3.5% on the Ann Arbor campus, 3% on the Flint campus, and only a promise of “modest” raises on the Dearborn campus. Accounting for inflation, these raises will continue to leave many behind their pre-pandemic salary in real terms and unable to afford increasing housing and childcare costs.

Wait 3.5%—my boss told me we were getting something else?

The university announces a top-line amount, but leaves it up to each school, college, or unit to determine how to distribute the funds. In some, everyone gets the same percentage increase, but in others decisions are left to individual managers who receive no training in equitably determining raises, leaving room for hidden biases to dictate what people receive, not need, and certainly not “merit.”

Can the university afford to provide raises?

The budget is a series of decisions made by the president and regents, not something handed down from the State of Michigan or elsewhere. We’ll fight for larger state allocations, but when tuition, research revenue, and endowment returns increase by more than raises every year, it’s not reasonable to argue that 3.5% is the largest possible raise the university could afford. Last year, the president decided that executive offices deserved 4%, while other staff deserved only 3.1% (to say nothing of what the discrepancies would be accounting for other managers), with a union at the table, we know the university can be forced to make a different decision.

I’m paid on a grant, could a union raise affect me?

In general, salaries are determined by university HR, not by the granting agency. We regularly hear stories of research staff whose PI has funds to give them a raise, but who are denied by HR. GSRAs who are paid on grants at U-M win substantial raises every (8% last year) and even if the raises aren’t appropriately budgeted for at first, the university can decide to cover some or all of the difference, as LSA did for GSRAs last year.

What could we win?

In their most recent contract, the lecturer’s union won raises of 8% in year one, 6% in years 2 and 3, and 5% in year four on the Ann Arbor campus this year. Given the lower starting salaries of student and instructional services, such a raise would cost the university less for us, so just imagine what we could win if we fight for it like the lecturers do!

I’m fired up! What can I do to help?

Sign your card here to become a participating member in your union, and to join the fight for better raises! Join by August 8th to be eligible to vote in upcoming USU elections. Members will receive a separate notice of elections when the nomination window opens on July 9th, 2024.

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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.

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Whether you’re ready to sign your card, have some questions first, or want to join as an organizer, you’re welcome at our weekly info session! Contact us to ask for meeting info

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