About Us

I am the product of the American Dream in a lot of ways: first generation college student, a debt-free alum of U-M, and to have an income that is higher than both my parents’ combined when they were my age. That’s not saying much, you can see my salary here

I also know that everyone who works for the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint, and Michigan Medicine) that we are trying to unionize is being robbed of their economic power every day. I don’t want to rely on the largess of the administration anymore. We need to take our power back. I know raising the material conditions of one of us through a collective bargaining agreement raises all of us. I know building this union will improve all of our lives, and I also believe I am able to honor everyone’s autonomy, perspectives, and lived experiences to know that if I become President of our union, that I’ll be a conduit for actual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Access. I wish to help all of us close the wealth gap by reclaiming the value of our labor, and if this means serving as your President, I humbly run.

In January 2022, I joined USU as an organizer, motivated by over a decade of experience as a UM library staff member, and driven by a desire to bring increased visibility to my staff colleagues. Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with staff from all of our campus locations, listened to your personal stories, held space for you during difficult moments, and celebrated your achievements. I am running for Vice President with the hope of applying my organizing and professional experience in a more official capacity through an elected position on USU’s executive board.

The critical need for wage increases to keep up with the cost of living, checks on job creep, protections for remote/flexible work, and subsidized child care stand out as issues I’ve heard echoed in the discussions I’ve had with staff. We deserve an inclusive, powerful union to fight for these benefits, along with enhanced work-life balance, and protections for our workplace safety – both physical and psychological.

I’m deeply committed to increasing accessibility across work modalities, and providing a meaningful support and grievance system for any staff member experiencing discrimination, abusive treatment, and isolation in their workplaces. I am energized by union work, and am especially excited to amplify staff needs at UM-Flint and UM-Dearborn. UM staff work hard no matter their location, yet money, resources, and spotlight are often centered on the Ann Arbor campus. It’s time we demanded parity and equity across our campuses.

Although Vice President is an executive officer position that represents the full membership of USU, it is generally internal facing in terms of leadership, providing organizational support and guidance for our elected Stewards. As our Stewards will make up the legislative body of our union, as well as directly support staff in the event of discipline or grievance, the Vice President supports successful service in their roles through training development, meeting facilitation, and executive board leadership.

Thank you in advance for considering me for this role. I look forward to continuing this fight for all UM staff!

I started working at UofM in November of 2021. Sometime in August 2022, I saw an MLive article that mentioned USU. I immediately signed my card and filled out a keep me posted form. Within a few weeks, I found myself at an AFT Michigan summit in Dearborn to get trained as an organizer. Fast forward to this summer, I attended the AFT Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute to get hands-on training in contract negotiation. While organizing with USU, I also founded a non-profit organization promoting non-car transportation in Washtenaw County, and helped create an organizing committee for a transgender social group in SE Michigan. I’m also the one who designed those diagonal purple posters promoting USU membership! I like to keep busy when it’s for things I am passionate about.

I find myself naturally gravitating towards leadership positions that involve extensive documentation and organization. Using my background in computer science, combined with my passion for visual art, I create all kinds of graphics and tools for the organizations I am a part of, and find great enjoyment in streamlining the way we operate, while also making a point to not leave anyone behind. I have an eye for the important details that often get overlooked when building out an organization, campaign, or even a simple call to action. For example, did you know that Gmail has different inbox filtering rules for emails sent to multiple people, or emails sent through another service like Mail Merge, than if you just send it directly? I am often valued for my ability to rapidly deploy usable software-based solutions for complex tasks that are accessible to the average person. I try to strike that fine balance between ambitious plans while still keeping it real. As I often tell people, my specialty is “practical solutions to creative problems.”

It also just so happens that a sizable part of my job here at UofM is event production. Things like audio engineering and editing, lighting design, branding and graphic design, style guides, and event logistics are often what I’m doing on a day-to-day basis. Not to mention I also build training materials and documentation for our facilities, systems to manage the complex rulesets that determine who gets access to what room, and accessible system design. All of these skills lend themselves nicely to the duties of a secretary, both explicit and implied.

I firmly believe that unions will save America from its decline to fascism, and I am proud to be a founding member of such a large and influential union here at UofM. I look forward to not just making the lives of staff members here better, but to setting a precedent for what is possible for university staff unions to accomplish. I love what we have built so far, and I’m so excited to see what we accomplish next.

I have worked at the University of Michigan on the Ann Arbor campus for over five years; first as a graduate coordinator in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and more recently as an academic program manager in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where I am responsible for both undergraduate and graduate student services.

I know the university only works because we do and I started organizing with the union, because I wanted to see that work respected, through actually meaningful raises, substantive protections from harassment by faculty and managers, and more than token involvement in decisions that affect our working conditions.

If elected as a member of the executive board, I will fight to ensure that the Student and Instructional Services Bargaining Unit wins a strong contract and while we won’t begin collecting dues until that first contract, as treasurer, I will work to make sure we have financial systems in place beforehand and that the union serves as a responsible steward of its funds.

I am running for Unit Chair for Non-Bargained-For Members to continue the critical work of building our union for all non-supervisory staff at U of M. I am deeply dedicated to building a member-driven, diverse, accessible, and productive union with my colleagues across the university.

My vision for our staff union is of a collaborative organization in which we identify our shared needs, seek out and uplift the voices and needs of the most vulnerable among us, and stand together to make changes to improve our workplace – to collectively demand the pay, benefits, and respect we deserve.

I am confident in my ability to perform this role well. I have been a researcher at U of M since 2011, and an active member of the organizing committee since April 2022. During that time, I have had hundreds of conversations with staff across U of M, brought on many new members
and organizers, and helped guide our strategic decision making. I work with a small team of organizers to keep in regular contact with everyone on our organizing committee to ensure our work is getting done, and to help redistribute work when needed. I have led a weekly drop-in Q&A session since last September to answer questions and talk through concerns with both members and potential members.

Based on the countless conversations I have had with staff, certain priorities have emerged which I will fight for in our first contract: first, substantial wage increases to combat the functional loss in pay staff have seen over the last several years when compared to inflation. The university has the money to pay us the wages we deserve, and once unionized, we will demand it! Staff also need relief from job creep – the perpetual addition of responsibilities without a commensurate raise in pay.

As unit chair, I will continue to listen to the voices of the staff I will represent, and fight for the treatment we deserve. I am excited for the opportunity to represent my colleagues across the university as we build this strong, democratic, and much-needed staff union…

As a Senior Learning Experience Designer at the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation (CAI), I have had the privilege of working closely with staff to create innovative learning experiences for the last four years. Together, we are immensely contributing to the success of our university’s educational mission, similar to our faculty collaborators. This role has honed my skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and advocacy. Since the Fall of 2023, I have been an active member of the University Staff United Organizing Committee, contributing to the success of the membership campaign of the Students in Instructional Services (SIS) unit. My skills, combined with my USU involvement and deep commitment to our University staff, make me a strong candidate for the CAI Steward position.

As CAI Steward, I pledge to be a dedicated and responsive representative. My primary focus will be on:

• Effective Policy Representation: I will actively contribute to USU policy decisions on the Stewards’ Council, ensuring that our union’s policies align with the needs and concerns of our membership.
• Contribute to Membership Growth: I will work diligently to sign up new members and encourage active participation in union activities. A strong and united membership is essential to our collective bargaining power.
• Maintain Accurate Membership Records: Accurate and up-to-date membership lists are crucial for effective representation. I will prioritize this task to ensure that all members have access to the support and resources they deserve.
• Effective Dispute Resolution and Contract Enforcement: I am committed to resolving disputes, solving problems, and enforcing our contract to protect the rights and benefits of all members.
• Amplifying Member Voice: Your voice matters. I will be a strong advocate for members, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.
• Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication is essential for building trust. I will maintain open lines of communication with both members and management.

I believe in the power of collective action and the importance of a strong union. I am eager to serve as your Steward and work collaboratively to create a positive and equitable workplace for all University staff.

I am eager to take on the role of a Steward for the Center for Academic Innovation for the University Staff United (USU) because I am deeply committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our staff members. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, build community, and support my colleagues in a multitude of ways.

First and foremost, being a part of the Stewards’ Council and contributing to USU policy decisions aligns with my passion for shaping fair and effective policies. I believe that policies created with direct input from those they affect are more robust and equitable. My experience and perspective can add value to these discussions, ensuring that the voices of staff are heard and considered in every decision.

Resolving disputes and solving problems are core responsibilities of a Steward. I am skilled at conflict resolution. My goal is to address issues promptly and fairly, ensuring that our members feel supported and their concerns are addressed appropriately. Facilitating the voice of members in the workplace is perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of this role. I am committed to ensuring that every member feels heard and valued. By providing a platform for open dialogue, I can help respectfully amplify their concerns and suggestions, ensuring they are considered in union decisions. Effective communication with those in leadership roles is essential for addressing workplace issues and negotiating improvements. I possess strong communication skills and am confident in my ability to advocate for our members’ needs while maintaining a professional, courteous, and constructive relationship with all members of our community .

Lastly, building and coordinating a team to achieve these goals is a task I find both challenging and rewarding. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment with my colleagues.

Together, we can achieve more and ensure that our union remains strong and effective. My commitment to advocacy, community building, and effective communication makes me an ideal candidate for the role of Steward for the Center for Academic Innovation. I am excited about the opportunity to serve my colleagues and contribute to the success of University Staff United.

I am running for the position of steward for the CoE Graduate and Professional jurisdiction because I want to take a leadership role in creating solidarity at the local level. I have been a part of the USU Organizing Committee for around two years which has given me a lot of experience talking to my colleagues about the union and what it stands for. By taking on this role as steward I can continue to organize those in my jurisdiction and build a sense of community that fosters support and solidarity. If elected I plan to keep my jurisdiction up to date with current info on USU news, provide a safe space to discuss work related issues, and provide all necessary information to anyone who has not yet made their decision about joining our union. Thank you for your consideration!

My name is John Taylor, and I am the Writing Center coordinator at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I am running for steward of Dearborn North for University Staff United.

As steward I will aim to represent UM-Dearborn’s unique needs and challenges to the larger organization.

UM-Dearborn is a special university. Many of my peers in academia have moved around to different institutions seeking better opportunities. I have felt well-supported in my position at UM-Dearborn, and I am deeply committed to my students. Leaving the university in search of advancement is at such odds with my professional goals of developing roots and sustainable programs at one university, which has a much more positive impact on students.

I recognize the financial difficulties that universities have been experiencing, particularly since 2020. However, state universities’ salary information is public, and it is disheartening to see advancement and salary increase for top administrators but remain stagnant, below the rate of inflation for multiple years in a row, for staff.

The university operates best when we all succeed. University staff are being left behind, our salaries not keeping pace with the cost of living. As an educator, my professional decisions must first consider student learning and success. As we train our students to advocate for themselves in the workplace, so must we advocate for ourselves.

Supporting UM-Dearborn staff supports UM-Dearborn’s students.

My name is Mark Rivett and I am a Senior Web Developer in the office of the Vice President for Government Relations. I have been with the University of Michigan since 2018 and would like to serve as the Union Steward for Executive Offices.

I served as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion lead for my unit from 2019 to 2021. In that role I came to believe that a strong staff union was essential for an institution committed to DEI. If I am elected to this position I will work to help ensure working conditions and compensation are equitable.

After agitating for an hour over how to begin this statement, I’ve decided to dispense with undergraduate sophistry and put it plainly: the workplace and the university as institutions both have a long way to go to meet the democratic standards that undergird the American self-image. The same could be said of most American institutions and of life in the country writ large, but the workplace in particular offers unique opportunities for people to come together and exert their political will in ways that effects real material change in the lives of themselves and those around them. As union steward, I would be honored to play a part in helping to ensure that the voice of the workers around me is heard and that we as a union can more effectively endeavor to improve the livelihoods of all our members.

I am running for the position of Union Steward. With a deep commitment to our union and a strong belief in the power of collective action, I am eager to serve and advocate for all of us.

I have been part of our university community for many years, beginning as a student worker at the Thompson Library during my undergraduate studies from 2010 to 2014 and continuing through my graduate studies from 2015 to 2017. Since 2018, I have been proud to work as a staff member at the library, and these experiences have given me an understanding of our workplace’s unique challenges and opportunities.

I am running for Steward because I am passionate about:

• Advocacy: I will fight for fair treatment and the rights of all members, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
• Communication: I will keep you informed about important issues, negotiations, and any changes that may affect us, fostering an environment of transparency and trust.
• Support: I will be a dependable resource for any concerns or questions you may have, providing guidance and assistance with dedication and empathy.
• Unity: I will work tirelessly to promote a strong and united union, encouraging collaboration and solidarity among all members.

With my long-standing involvement in our community and my commitment to our shared values, I am confident in my ability to represent and advocate for you effectively. As your Steward, I will work to ensure a fair, just, and supportive workplace for all.

Thank you for your support and consideration. Together, we can make a positive difference.

I am running to be Steward of the Flint UCEN/Rec/Hubbard jurisdiction. As a Program Manager at UM-Flint for 3 years, I have connected deeply with colleagues across campus, but especially those who work within the Division of Student Affairs departments. I would be honored to represent my colleagues and be a voice for our concerns to the broader USU leadership and Steward Council.

Organizing with USU has awakened a new purpose in me–class consciousness and a drive to improve our working conditions. We are workers. We make this university function. We deserve to be compensated on par with our Ann Arbor colleagues. Across UM, all staff deserve better pay, access to promotion, protection from job creep, and flexible schedules that work for them. I know that we can accomplish these things through collective bargaining.

As Steward, I will commit to further developing my networks within the jurisdiction. I know we all have unique challenges and concerns that need to be addressed in our respective contracts, and I commit to listening and working to understand the unique issues that staff face.

I know that community is the only way forward, and I commit to developing community within our jurisdiction.

I am an experienced advising professional, and I am committed to higher education and student success. I am very supportive of building and uniting faculty and staff toward solidarity, and bringing my history with union service is an advantage. I feel equality, fairness and justice are important in sustaining membership and the morale of staff members and employees.

In my time at the University, I have seen many changes happening within Housing, some good, but much of it bad. We have lost a lot of longevity and institutional knowledge due to retirements that were not backfilled. Positions that used to be permanent became term-limited, and many Housing staff were furloughed due to lack of demand during the pandemic unless they were willing to take on work in areas that needed support, but likely had nothing to do with their actual position. Now that the pandemic is mostly past us and we are seeing normal levels of demand, we’ve faced challenges like reorgs that had no consultation with frontline staff by management, position changes that were made with little prior notification, and a revolving door of staff within Housing due to the questionable expectations and disciplinary practices of Housing Administration.

I am lucky in the fact that I am part of the rare team in Housing that values work-life balance, has supportive leadership, and recognizes the time and effort we put into our work every day. But I know that is not the case for most of Housing, particularly those staff that are soon going to be covered by the SIS contract. I know from my day-to-day work how much stress and grief the Community Center Managers and Hall Directors face daily, from parents, students, and their supervision. They are asked to work long hours, overnight, on weekends as a “duty”; they are expected to train and supervise student staff that are often just in it for the paycheck or free room and board, they are not provided the resources to properly train these individuals, and yet the blame for the mistakes these students make falls on the very staff who are expected to be the ones to supervise them.

This must change. As Steward for Housing, I would work to meet, at minimum, quarterly with our membership within Housing to discuss their concerns so that it can be more broadly shared with USU at large, as well answer questions they may have about their contract, or the rights contained within. My goal would be working toward creating an environment for these staff that emulates the one I am a part of: where they are valued and appreciated for their work, where the requirements are fair, but not demanding, where they are given the resources they need to both be set up for success in their own roles, as well as feel competent in the training and supervision of their student reports, and that they are not unfairly held accountable for the mistakes of their staff when the onus of that falls on Housing Administration’s own mismanagement and lack of accountability.

I would work to help maintain proper records of staff within Housing, notifying USU of any changes that may be on the horizon regarding new positions or reorganizations. I would connect with new union- eligible staff as they are onboarded to discuss membership and the benefits thereof. And should the situation call for it, I would encourage those within Housing to participate in union demonstrations, walk-outs, statements, or strikes, because when we work together, we can impact meaningful change.

For all of the above I humbly submit my nomination for Housing Shop Steward.

I would like the opportunity to serve as a steward for the ISR- SRC group because I strongly believe in the mission of USU and I want to work with members to improve workplace conditions. I am committed to listening to concerns, finding solutions, and aiding members in discussions with management. I have been working in SRC for 7 years and I feel confident in my ability to confront and resolve issues in the department. I take this role very seriously and am engaging in educational pursuits in order to be as informed and prepared as possible to succeed as a steward. I want members to feel confident that if they come to me, they will be heard and taken seriously and that I will be on their side and work for them. I will put in the time and effort to ensure the best possible outcome for members, and work to strengthen the union presence within SRC and the university as a whole.

My name is Daric Thorne, and I am running to be one of the stewards representing the ISR – Survey Research Center (ISR-SRC) jurisdiction under University Staff United (USU). Over my decade at ISR, I have worked with fellow employees to achieve significant milestones, such as securing salary increases, resolving reclassification issues, and advocating for fair treatment across the full-time to temporary spectrum. My experience includes serving as president of AFT Local 9102 at Eastern Michigan University for six years and acting as a delegate to the Huron Valley Area Labor Federation for eight years for that same union. Currently, I also serve as president of the Huron Valley Worker Organizing and Research Center. Through my involvement in many different labor organizing campaigns, I have gained invaluable insights into worker organizing and advocacy.

Despite ours and USU’s accomplishments, most of our ISR-SRC colleagues are not yet in a recognized bargaining unit, and we must work diligently to achieve recognition. As a steward, I am committed to collaborating with other stewards to grow membership in our part of the university. The key to our success lies in solidarity, building strong relationships with our colleagues, and adding members along the way. Growing the membership in our jurisdiction will help provide the critical mass we need to achieve recognition.

I envision the incoming group of ISR stewards meeting regularly to strategize and bring ISR into the forefront of USU’s organizing efforts. By expanding our relationships across areas of ISR, we can strengthen our collective voices and achieve the recognition we seek. I am dedicated to this mission and ask for your support in making our goals a reality.

My name is Judah Perillo (he/they) and I am running for USU steward in the ISR Survey Research Center. I have worked in my current role as an Applications Programmer/Analyst in the Technical Services Group since May 2022.

For over a year I’ve been a member of the organizing committee active on our campaign for our first bargaining unit, Student & Instructional Services. Many of my coworkers aren’t in this BU, and have not yet been a focus of organizing efforts. I’m running for a steward position because I’m excited for the opportunity to organize locally in my own workplace, and to represent the interests of my fellow workers to admin and in USU decision making. I believe that through collective organizing, we can improve our working conditions – for us in the ISR SRC and for all workers at U-M.

My name is Todd Ziegler (he/him) and I am running for USU steward in the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research. I recently began a new position as a Research Administrator with the Panel Study on Income Dynamics. Prior to my current position I served as a Project Coordinator in LSA Sociology (2018-2024) and a Research Associate/Assistant in the School of Public Health (2015-2018). I am also a U-M alumnus from the School for Environment and Sustainability (MS, 2015) where I focused on environmental justice and community-based participatory research as a non-traditional student caregiver. I am committed to serving our public institution and attaining material benefits for staff while building equity and a stronger sense of belonging for all staff across our campuses, schools, departments, and units.

I have been a member of the USU Organizing Committee since 2020. My approach to union organizing is rooted in meeting people where they are and letting people speak for themselves (i.e. the Jemez Principles) while also responding to power imbalances through collective organizing and generative conflict. As an OC member I supported the formation of our welcoming committee, design of our onboarding process, and development of our values and organizing principles. I am committed to the power of building relationships and have had one-on-one union organizing conversations with over one hundred staff across many schools, departments, units, and job families/roles.

An issue that I am passionate about (and have been impacted by) is supporting “term-limited” staff who lack job security and stability. I believe that a world-renowned research institution like ours can and should fully support the long-term career goals of staff who are committed to our mission.

I am excited to serve as a USU steward and I can’t wait to celebrate the day when we are no longer labeled “at-will” employees – a designation that has never accurately described my role here at U-M.

United we can build solidarity and collective power for a more just and equitable workplace!

My name is Madi Atkins (she/her), and I’m running for one of four union stewardship positions within ITS Support Services & Emerging Technology. I have worked at ITS in varied capacities since 2018, when I joined the ITS Internship Program. Loving the work I did, I stayed with the Collaboration Services team, where I still reside today as a Performance Support Analyst. Since joining our union and the Organizing Committee in the spring of 2024, I have spoken with staff around the university about their experiences, good and bad, and the issues that matter most to them. I truly believe change can be achieved through collective action and solidarity amongst university staff on all three campuses and Michigan Medicine.

As a change manager at ITS, I feel uniquely qualified for this role. Change, whether it’s a new service rollout or a shift in policy, is most successful when those affected have someone who actively listens to their grievances, addresses their concerns with leadership, and works to ensure everyone is supported in equitable and accessible ways. I am passionate about empowering staff through education and awareness of change and working together to achieve our shared goals.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many teams in Support Services over the years. Many of us in Support Services, myself included, care deeply about the university’s mission and our critical role in supporting it. Whether that means helping the university community with their technology needs on the frontlines of the Service Center and MiWorkspace or ensuring the smooth operation of our enterprise tools, software, and services, ITS staff have dedicated their time and effort to ensuring our faculty, staff, and students feel supported in their work and studies at U-M.

We, the staff, are essential to the University of Michigan’s success as one of the world’s best public research, education, and medical institutions. Without us, there would be no institution.

The invaluable, critical work we do deserves to be treated as such. I believe the university is more than capable of supporting all staff’s needs and long-term goals. As a union steward, I plan to continue pushing for the benefits, pay, and recognition we deserve while ensuring your voices are heard by management and union leadership.

Thank you for considering my candidacy! I am excited to contribute my skills, dedication, and passion to supporting and representing my ITS Support Services colleagues within our union as one of your stewards.

Since joining the UM Library as a Technical Services staff member in 2009, I have seen, heard and lived many of your struggles. For a decade I tried to scrape by spending nearly all of my meager salary on the increasing costs of housing in Ann Arbor and on paying off mounting student loans. As a transwoman I have sometimes struggled to be taken seriously and often found my ideas sidelined–the “Coordinator” aspect of my job title now simply there for show. As someone who spends the vast majority of my worklife in a basement corner of the Stacks, I’ve seen the herculean effort our Facilities team has made to keep our century old flagship library building livable, and how my peers on the 3rd floor have endured trying environmental conditions. Helping analyze our survey data as part of the Staff Forum Board Salary subcommittee team and listening to the all-too-often inequitable lived experiences of employees while serving on the Library Diversity Council, I’ve seen how staff have struggled to find career success under a system that offers no formal path for promotion. In the past some staff were told the only avenue open to them for advancement would be to leave the University and reapply after building a resume elsewhere. While serving on search committees I’ve watched the Library post jobs requiring native-level language fluency, yet be unwilling to sponsor candidates’ Visas. After suffering years of discord with my own supervisor, HR suggested the only avenue I had available for a transfer would be to apply for a job outside of my department, after having spent years in grad school learning cataloging. On one occasion our HR office called DPSS and in front of my peers and I was placed in the back of a police cruiser and escorted to the Psych ER for being too emotional during a meeting.

We can do better. We deserve better. You deserve a union and a steward who will fight to make library staff a priority.

I believe that I would make a strong candidate for union steward as I’ve completed training at the Great Lakes Union Training Institute for both Introduction to Negotiations and Contract Campaigns and Effective Grievance Administration and Organizing. Additionally, I have served as the union representative to the All-Campus Labor Council since September, 2022; I’ve been involved in organizing for the Student Instructional Services Bargaining Unit for three years, sat on the Governance committee to help draft the constitution; acted as facilitator and notetaker for many Organizing Committee meetings; been involved in multiple political actions to support the labor rights of union members; and plan to sit on the bargaining team when our unit goes to negotiations in the Fall semester. I am committed to the success of our union and of staff receiving a fair contract.

Thank you for considering me for this distinction; I am honored to represent Library Collections to our union’s Stewards’ Council.

I am running for the University Staff United Steward position for the Life Science Institute. I have worked at the university for six years starting in the President’s Office, moving to the Ross Business School, and eventually finding a home in the LSI with the Program in Chemical Biology. Through my five years at the university I have experienced first hand some of the problems staff face from poor hiring practices, harassment from faculty, and merit raises that simply were not adequate to meet my personal financial needs.

My work with USU started in the Winter of 2022, and I see this union as an opportunity for staff to uplift each other, build community, and lend a voice to the needs of all staff. I am committed to seeing staff have a seat at the table to build a fair contract that improves our pay, benefits, and more. This union will be a cornerstone in improving staff experiences when it comes to poor treatment at the hands of faculty and supervisors, and I commit to using this position as a means of advocating for all staff, especially the most vulnerable.

I’ve spent time over the last two years talking with staff across campus. From that I have seen a need for formalized remote work, increased pay, protections against toxic faculty and supervisors, and much more. I commit to using this steward position to fight for my colleagues and to make the university what it claims to be for all, “Leaders and Best”.

I believe in our collective power and I am excited to serve our staff to my fullest ability.

Hi, Everyone. I’m Scott Deaner, an Academic Advisor in the LSA Newnan Academic Advising Center. I grew up in a proudly pro-union household. My father, grandfathers, and two great grandfathers were members of the United Mine Workers of America. Before coming to U-M, I worked at Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio where, for four years, I served as a union rep for the College of Arts & Sciences and a member of the executive board for the Owens Faculty Association (OFT Local 4670). In that role, I served as a union resource for faculty and staff in my academic unit, made sure our administration was adhering to the contract, and helped organize individuals for demonstrations and events. I’m excited about the potential opportunity to represent LSA advisors in our union.

I’m Luca Borntrager (they/them) and I’m running for Steward in the LSA East Hall Jurisdiction. I have a vision for a united, inclusive, and empowered workforce in East Hall and across USU.

USU is growing, and now is the crucial time to establish a strong foundation. As Steward, I will prioritize organizing efforts that center on the varied needs and experiences of our many job families and types of workers. One of my core objectives is to ensure that our voices as staff are clearly heard, distinct from the often conflicting stances of the University administration. I want to work with the folks in LSA East Hall to build systems that empower each member to contribute to our collective voice.

I aim to foster greater solidarity within our building, spanning the diverse job roles and families in our building – From Math to Psychology to Research to IT to Facilities to ULAM to Custodial, we are all connected as workers.

Currently, I am a Student Administrative Assistant Intermediate in the Department of Psychology. However, when I started in the department (November 2023), I was a temporary employee in the administrative office. This first role allowed me to work directly with graduate students, research staff, faculty, and other teams and departments in our building on a daily basis. I was able to witness what we can get done by working together and the varied experiences we share to do the best work we can. I want to extend that power beyond just the day to day work tasks. By creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and mutual support, we can build a more cohesive and robust support system in our building and create a stronger connection with one another. Strong internal solidarity will be the bedrock upon which we expand our membership, uniting us across job lines and strengthening our collective bargaining power.

Thank you for your consideration and trust!

I think that USU represents a very big step forward for U of M. Despite the benefits that the University provides, there are glaring inequities between units that need to be addressed. Too often, we forget that there are entire teams of people working hard for the university to thrive. Giving those people a voice is imperative to creating an environment where students, staff, and faculty can thrive. I think that a union is one of the best ways that we as staff can make our voices heard, advocate for temporary employees, and support the interests of students.

USU also offers a dissenting voice to the current administration. I do not feel represented by the current administration, and while I continue to uphold university policy, I am vehemently opposed to some of the actions that they have taken against students and community members. I see USU as an opportunity to let students and our community know that we stand in solidarity with them, and that we will continue to strive for a supportive environment, where issues are not meant with hard and fast rules that vilify students, but with nuance that invites collaboration and solution-based thinking.

One of the biggest concerns that I have is about the temporary workers that the university employs. While they are not allowed into USU, I feel a responsibility to listen to them and work to create a more equitable environment. Often times, these people are the most public-facing individuals in University buildings. They provide extremely valuable labor and insights for their units, and yet, they are not given sick leave or vacation time until they have worked for over a year with the university. Those of us who do have permanent positions have a responsibility to raise those voices up, and advocate for a more fair work environment.

For these reasons, I would love to help USU in any way that I can. I hope that you will consider my candidacy as East Hall Steward.

I’ve worked at UM in a few different departments since 2020. As a USU organizer since 2022, I’ve been interested in addressing the issues of job security, as well as remote/flexible work. As a union steward, I will work to represent staff in my department in accordance with my values of anti-racism, disability justice, and solidarity. In the past I’ve held leadership positions, and I was even a supervisor in 2021. I think that experience would make me a great steward as I’m able to communicate between staff and supervisors.

For years, I have been marginalized. Whether that’s due to my disabilities, race/ethnicity, or being on the Autism Spectrum. At varying degrees, I’ve felt excluded or not having the same opportunities as others who didn’t have the characteristics that are unique to me.

Being someone on the Autism Spectrum and a person living with physical disabilities, I’ve had to live in a world that makes decisions for me. A world that tells me the “best” way of doing things, disregarding the experiences I’ve had and what I’ve learned over the years that best work for myself and people like me, or worst without any input from people like me. Whether that’s being told the path to the Department Picnic is 80% paved, so that should be adequate for navigating the picnic in a wheelchair while ignoring the 20% of the path that’s not navigable; or being told the “best” process of getting work done in the workplace is one that everyone else is using while not acknowledging my brain doesn’t work that way. The common denominator is the lack of diversity and inclusion pertaining to experiences, discussions, decision making, or planning to ensure not only the end result is equitable, but equity is baked into the process from the very beginning.

Having first hand experience with working with the different levels of the University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine for over 5 years, having experience with being a member of a union at a previous job, and having had to navigate the U-M employment system without the benefit of collective bargaining/union representation. I know that we desperately need collective bargaining, union representation, and protection more than ever.

If we really want a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and union, where no one feels marginalized. This starts with a stewardship that is diverse and brings unique life and work experiences to the role. Something I know I can bring as an USU Union Steward. If elected as Steward for HITS Academic IT, I will put our members first.

I would be honored to be considered for the position of Union Steward for the Department of Hospital Medicine. I am driven by a deep commitment to building University Staff United (USU) into a powerful and inclusive union that stands firmly for equity and fairness for all faculty and staff at the University of Michigan.

Over the past few months, I have had the invaluable opportunity to intern with the American Federation of Teachers, where I honed my skills in organizing and advocacy. This experience has equipped me with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively contribute to our union’s growth and success. My goal is to leverage this experience to further our mission at USU, ensuring that every member of our community benefits from a supportive and equitable work environment.

A strong union is not merely a collective bargaining entity; it is a crucial platform for securing our rights and ensuring our voices are heard in the decision-making processes that impact our daily lives. It is essential that we, as workers, have a seat at the table where crucial decisions are made. Our union must be a formidable advocate for our needs, ensuring that our concerns are addressed and our contributions recognized.

One of the most pressing issues we face today is the disparity between our wages and the rising cost of living. Despite our hard work and dedication, wages are not keeping pace with inflation, resulting in stagnant salaries while the cost of living continues to soar. This issue is not just a personal concern but a systemic problem that affects us all. As your Union Steward, I will prioritize efforts to address this imbalance, advocating for fair compensation that reflects the true value of our work.

Moreover, an effective union must be inclusive and actively work towards creating a fair workplace for everyone. This means fighting for policies that promote equity and ensure that all employees, regardless of their position or background, have access to the same opportunities and support. I am committed to working with our members to identify and address inequities, ensuring that our union remains a champion for all employees.

My vision for our union is one where every member feels engaged and fulfilled in their position. It is essential that we work together to create an environment where all faculty and staff are not only fairly compensated but also find their work rewarding and impactful. I am dedicated to continuing the work I started with USU, focusing on initiatives that will improve our working conditions, support our professional growth, and ensure that our contributions are valued.

In closing, I ask for your support in this election. Together, we can strengthen our union and build a better future for all of us. I am committed to representing your interests with integrity and passion, and I am eager to continue the important work of advocating for a fair and equitable workplace. Let’s work together to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are met.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your Union Steward.

My name is Terrence, and I’m an early-career clinical research technician in Michigan Medicine. I take pride in the importance and value of clinical research, and I also believe in the power of labor organizing to win for workers. Most importantly, I feel strongly that a democratic, principled, and solidaristic labor union has the potential to make better so many aspects of our lives–including the quality and integrity of the research and patient outcomes which we value so much in Michigan Medicine.

Having a voice at the bargaining table gives us a chance to win so much, such as salaries that keep up with inflation, more secure benefits for ourselves and our families, and improved resources for career advancement.

However, a union should be so much more than a laundry list of individual bargaining concessions. At its strongest, a union that is responsive to its membership has the power to make work more dignified for all of us by granting us a real voice within the university of which we are the backbone.

All of this, taken together, will not just improve our lives, but the quality of our research, the flourishing of our university, and the meaningfulness of all our work across job types and departments.

In running for steward of Michigan Medicine Psychiatry, I hope to be a voice within our union for the specific needs of our jurisdiction, understand & effectively communicate the needs of our department, and engender a spirit of democratic participation and a feeling of true ownership within USU for Michigan Medicine Psychiatry.

I’m Daniel Long, and I am running for the position of Steward for the Development Community.

I am a life-long supporter of labour, growing up in a dual-union household. I have taken part in multiple direct-action events on behalf of the Eastern Michigan University FT, including a sit-in in the president’s office.

I have been in the Office of University Development for almost 8 years, and have worked tirelessly to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all. It has been my aim and desire over the last 15 years to decolonize my mind, and live by anti-racist, anti-capitalist, and liberation for all ethics.

As Steward for Development, I’ll fight for every worker’s rights and to ensure improved working conditions and compensation for all.

I am excited to be running for the Steward position for the Rackham Graduate School jurisdiction. I come from a long line of union members in my family–it has built my history and it is imperative to not only how I view the workplace, but my personal development.

I worked at Rackham Graduate School from 2018 to 2022 and recently returned in December 2023 as an Academic Program Specialist on the Partnerships for Access, Community, and Excellence team. My current work focuses on supporting graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. I’ve always been proud to be a Rackham employee–I have been on several committees to contribute to community building, human resources policy, and department culture. I can highlight two achievements from my committee work: first, my work on the Inclusive Spaces committee. I worked with the team to revitalize the Dean’s office space to not only highlight the history and work of Rackham students but also recognize the importance of Rackham staff and give credit to their work. Staff recognition is important to me–I also am currently on the Staff Appreciation and Recognition Committee, where I helped organize the yearly staff celebration awards and contributed to monthly staff recognition. My goal is to uplift my coworkers at Rackham the same way I try to uplift our students.

I’m proud of my ability to build relationships across diverse groups and hope to bring that expertise to the Steward role. As Steward, I plan to meet with as many members as I can and learn about their needs and wants at University of Michigan. I want to be the best advocate I can be for my colleagues. I recognize that in this inaugural role, I will have so much opportunity to learn about what the union can do for all members and plan to prioritize outreach and communications first. I also recognize I can’t do this work alone–I plan on creating a group of leaders within our jurisdiction’s members to expand outreach and create a strong group of staff to advocate alongside me.

I would love to play a small part in launching University Staff United and I would absolutely be proud to represent my jurisdiction as Steward. I am quite excited to see the union expand and grow stronger. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Hi, my name is Eric Black and I’m running to be a Steward representing workers of USU at the Ross School of Business. I’ve worked in Ross Operations since 2015 and have learned a lot about the typical Ross employee experience. All too often, talented people are driven away from Ross because of a workplace culture that does not value people’s contributions to the workplace. As Ross employees, we’re often told by superiors that in order to find opportunities for better pay and other benefits to look elsewhere. I want to be a Steward for USU at Ross because I believe that we shouldn’t have to look elsewhere to find what we need to live a good life. Our contributions should be recognized here, and the University, Ross in particular, has more than enough to make that a reality.

I’ve been a part of USU’s drive to organize the Student and Instructional Services bargaining unit as a volunteer and as an intern and believe very strongly in the work we’re accomplishing. The goal of creating a union for all University workers is a huge undertaking, but I’m so encouraged by the progress made in these last few years and look forward to playing my part in its growth in the present and future. As a Steward, it would be my responsibility to look out for the best interests of our members and provide guidance, but I also look forward to learning from our diverse workforce and making this union something we can all be proud of and feel energized to contribute to.

No matter the results of the elections, I’m excited to see what the future holds in store for USU and want to thank those that have made this all possible.

Hello, my name is Kate Montgomery and I have been with the University of Michigan for almost 2 years now. In my time here at the U, I have had the immense pleasure of working within 3 wildly different departments – the School of Nursing Office of Admissions and Records, Stamps School of Art and Design Dean’s Office, and the Central Staffing Resource department within the hospital. I firmly believe that my large array of connections with fellow staff across campus as well as my experience working within different departments will allow me to address larger issues facing units that typically see no overlap.

I would also like to bring my experience as a previous temporary employee to the table to address the issues and chronic anxiety faced by those of us who are on short term contracts and additionally, bring personal input regarding the necessity of a smoother transition for temp-to-perm staff as well as the requirements of open communication from management so that individuals will no longer wake up and not have a job based on the whims of management.

If elected as steward, I will fight for the School of Nursing’s notoriously low pay and high workload to be adequately compensated and distributed as well as the guarantee of remote flexibility and more control over our own scheduling hours. I promise to fight for historic gains and to be a firm and fierce voice at the table for the School of Nursing. I promise to be open, honest, and respectful within our unit and to bring each issue facing our small school to the table. We are so physically separated not only from the rest of campus but from each other given that we are spread out across two large buildings so building our community internally and within the context of our broader campus will be key in obtaining the well-deserved compensation and flexibility we have been owed for far too long.

I am running for USU Steward, representing the Stamps School of Art & Design, because I believe in the important role that unions can play in protecting, advocating for, and supporting employees. As steward, I intend to build relationships with fellow staff at Stamps, educate them on the benefits of their union, listen to their concerns and opinions, advocate for them in the Stewards Council, and provide assistance in disciplinary matters. The staff at Stamps support a vibrant community of creative practitioners. When staff have healthy working conditions, liveable wages, and strong benefits, the entire Stamps School, and the broader community, will benefit.

I humbly request to represent the Student Learning & Development area as the Steward. As the Democratic Engagement Manager under Student Life I understand both the importance of your vote in this Union election and how important your voice is. I spend my days telling students how much of an impact their vote can have, and now I come to you to tell you that your (Union) vote will also have an impact! While USU is my first experience with a union, I am an incredibly passionate person and have been very vocal about ensuring that all voices are heard (mostly through voting but unions are quite tied to voting!). I will certainly take all those in the Student Learning & Development area’s concerns seriously and ensure that our needs as staff are heard and respected. Student Learning & Development encompasses many important areas and having representation is integral for staff in this area to be included in all that USU does. I have been involved in USU from my first month at UMICH. A passionate co-worker approached me in one of our first conversations and I was ready to go immediately. I quickly joined the Organizing Committee and helped us get to a majority in Student & Instructional Services. As a passionate Union member I have attended many meetings and helped spread the word of our Union. I will work each day to represent all those within Student Learning & Development and work to make our Union stronger. Please consider me for your Steward!

I am running for Steward of the Student Wellness jurisdiction of USU to advocate for my colleagues in student health and wellness roles on campus, specifically non-supervisory staff in CAPS, SAPAC, UHS, and Wolverine Wellness.

As therapists, case managers, social workers, advocates, program managers, health educators, and support staff within these departments, we are at the forefront of promoting student mental and physical health, safety, and wellbeing on campus. We play essential roles in supporting students navigating mental and physical health challenges, providing advocacy services and working toward a campus free from violence, promoting health equity and education, and fostering a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowered campus community.

Too often, however, Student Wellness staff experience burnout, financial stress, structural and interpersonal discrimination, and lack of voice in decisions that affect our jobs. I am running for Steward because I believe that together, we can co-create an inclusive, diverse, and effective union that is by us, and for us—one in which we come together to identify our shared needs, listen to and amplify the voices of marginalized staff members, engage in collaborative decision-making, and wield our collective power to make positive changes in our workplace.

In many of the conversations I’ve had with colleagues across our jurisdiction over the past few years, some common themes have come up again. Some of these include the need for competitive salaries with annual raises that meet the cost of inflation, allowing us not to just “get by” but to earn a wage that supports our financial wellbeing. Flexible/remote work arrangements that meet the diverse needs and realities of our staff and are developed with our input, rather than “one size fits all” policies. And addressing “job creep”—the addition of responsibilities due to staff turnover or restructuring without corresponding raise in pay—which leads to more burnout and stress. These are just some of the priorities that I will fight for in our first contract.

I have been a social worker at CAPS since 2021, and a member of the USU Organizing Committee since 2022. During that time, I have conducted outreach to potential union members across our departments and campus, worked together with a team of incredible CAPS organizers to bring on new members, and successfully advocated with other staff in front of the Board of Regents for salary increases. In my professional role, I collaborate regularly with staff in several of the departments included in this jurisdiction, which I believe makes me an ideal candidate to bridge gaps, build and strengthen relationships, and work toward a stronger presence at the bargaining table.

I am excited at the opportunity to play a leadership role in this collective effort toward a more equitable, socially just, and supportive workplace, and would be honored to represent such a dedicated, talented, and passionate group of staff.

I appreciate your consideration, and welcome any questions, feedback, and discussion of my candidacy. Thank you!

Hi, I’m Esther (they/them), an Instructional Consultant for DEI at CRLT, and I am running to serve as your steward for University Staff United. I have been at the university for over a decade, having completed my doctoral studies at U-M (English). In that time I have learned a great deal about unions, solidarity, and our collective power as workers. As a GEO member, I participated in three contract campaigns that saw significant wins for salary, healthcare, and parental benefits. I helped organize for better trans healthcare provisions during the 2017 campaign, and I picketed during GEO’s strike for a safe campus in September 2020. I am also married to a LEO member and have supported several of their campaigns by attending bargaining sessions and pickets.

Outside of unions, my local organizing experience also includes political education and facilitation work with the Collective Against White Supremacy in Ann Arbor (2016-18), and facilitating affinity groups for grad student mental health with the U-M English Graduate Group (2018-19). More recently, I have gotten involved with Ypsilanti city government by collecting petition signatures for several new proposals circulated by the Ypsilanti Ballot Initiative Group.

I have been a member of USU for over a year, and I contributed to the Spring 2024 membership drive with the Organizing Committee by talking with staff about the union and helping people become members. As your steward, I will advocate for you not only with management, but also to ensure your voice is heard in the union. I believe that our working conditions can be so much better and I’ll do all I can to make it so.

Why can’t we have fair and equitable pay scales across campus for similar work? Why can’t all full-time staff accrue two paid vacation days per month from the start, not just those arbitrarily designated as non-exempt? Where are the career advancement pathways and leadership development programs for staff who are looking for growth opportunities? Why aren’t staff consulted on the performance of their supervisors and leaders if we care at all about accountability? The only way we’re going to answer these questions and more is by working together to build a strong USU.