About 20 members of University Staff United gathered in the Michigan Union Atrium to protest the University of Michigan’s proposed 3% salary increase for Ann Arbor employees. At the same time, staff at the Dearborn and Flint campuses voiced their concerns over a proposed 1% raise for satellite campus employees.
USU represents non-supervisory staff across all three U-M campuses. They’ve been negotiating a new contract with University Human Resources since June 2025. During the protest, USU members worked on their computers while wearing pins and displaying a large banner to make their voices heard.
Tyler Perala, a social worker at Counseling and Psychological Services, explained that many staff members struggle to keep up with rising living costs. “Our salaries aren’t keeping pace with inflation, forcing many to take second jobs. This impacts our performance at work,” Perala said. “When we’re stretched thin, it’s hard to be our best.”
Isaac Messeder, an employer relations manager at the LSA Opportunity Hub, also shared his struggles. He highlighted that Ann Arbor’s cost of living is 5% higher than the national average, and housing is 11.8% above that. “Many, including me, have to commute from other areas because living in Ann Arbor is simply unaffordable,” he noted. “Fair compensation is crucial for employees to feel at home where they work.”
Many USU members work in student roles, from academic advisors to counselors. Perala emphasized that fair pay would acknowledge their contributions. “The university relies heavily on us. Recognition through fair compensation would allow us to focus on our roles without needing additional jobs,” he said.
Joseph Rizzo, who works in the School of Public Health, also stressed the importance of fair salaries. “Everyone here loves their job and wants to support the University, but we need sustainable wages to grow in our personal and professional lives,” Rizzo said.
In recent years, several universities have faced similar staffing and compensation challenges. A 2022 survey noted that 67% of university staff feel underpaid and overworked. As living costs soar, institutions must find fair solutions to attract and retain dedicated employees. It’s more than just numbers; it’s about respect and acknowledgment.
These discussions reflect a broader trend in higher education, where staff workload and pay disparities are coming under increasing scrutiny.
For more on these issues, check out this Inside Higher Ed article that explores the nationwide landscape of university staffing challenges.
