In August 2022, the University of Michigan’s information resources staff announced plans to unionize, forming University Staff United (USU). Fast forward three years, USU has grown considerably and is now in negotiations for its first contract with the University.
Currently, USU represents U-M employees in Student and Instructional Services, marking its sole recognized bargaining unit. This group includes admissions, registrar, financial aid counselors, and child care workers, among others.
Nathan Sadowsky, lead negotiator for USU, shared insights with The Michigan Daily. He noted the immediate focus is on bargaining for existing members, with aspirations to include all U-M staff in the future. “We’re reaching out to understand what matters most to everyone,” he said.
USU has laid out a bargaining platform outlining key goals. These include salary increases to match the cost of living in Ann Arbor and enhanced job security. For a deeper look at negotiations, the union has created a tracker.
Sadowsky emphasized that securing the first contract is crucial. “Winning that first contract is a significant milestone. Our platform covers our main objectives, including fair compensation and the right to a union,” he explained.
Although negotiations are still ongoing, USU has already reached some tentative agreements with the University. These focus on union functions and employee rights, like accessing personnel records without fear of retaliation. The University also agreed to contribute to retirement savings equally for all employees, regardless of union membership.
Salary negotiations may take longer to finalize. “We’ve made some progress, but the bigger financial issues typically take time,” Sadowsky noted.
Another challenge involves the recent termination of several workers linked to pro-Palestine protests, raising concerns about free speech violations. USU has issued a memorandum calling for the reinstatement or compensation of the affected employees.
According to Sadowsky, the University is not willing to negotiate individual cases of discipline, which they believe is against the law. “We believe we have a strong legal case here,” he stated.
LSA senior Sean Shelbrock, a representative from Central Student Government, expressed solidarity with USU and the terminated staff. “Firing someone for advocating for pro-Palestinian causes is unacceptable,” he commented.
How USU and the University navigate their differences will play a big role in the timeline of negotiations. Sadowsky is hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon. “We aim for a tentative agreement by December,” he stated.
University spokesman Brian Taylor said that the University remains dedicated to the negotiation process. “We value our relationship with University Staff United and are committed to fair and constructive conversations,” he said.
Experts highlight that the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for similar movements in universities nationwide. According to a recent survey by the National Labor Relations Board, over 60% of university workers have considered unionizing, reflecting a broader trend toward collective bargaining in higher education.
This ongoing situation at the University of Michigan serves as a significant example of the evolving landscape of worker rights in academic settings and the importance of fostering an equitable workplace for all staff.
For updates on labor movements, visit trusted resources such as the National Labor Relations Board.
