This week’s negotiations resulted in some considerable movement.  Our Master Agreement Team and Management’s Team came to tentative agreements (TAs) on five proposals on Wednesday.  Three of the five TA’s are major and have a direct impact on our working conditions and rights as union employees.  

• Grievance and Arbitration: This article is very important.  It means that if you are treated unfairly at work, you won’t be alone. It means you have the right to union representation using a union grievance procedure. It also means that in some cases we can go to a third party arbitrator to make a ruling about an issue if management isn’t being reasonable. 

• Furlough (Short Term Layoffs):  Many of us experienced furloughs back in 2020.  This article gives clear definitions regarding furloughs and the process that should be followed.  It does not make major changes to the current process.

• Impairment and Drug Testing:  We all agree that using drugs on the job should never happen and is probably cause for discipline. However, we also know that some people struggle with addiction and need help. This article ensures that workers will have a fair process, especially if they are wrongly accused of using drugs. 

• Special Conferences: This article provides a way for the Union and Management to meet and discuss issues when needed.

• Lists and Information: This article ensures the Union will receive information about the workers we represent.

So far, we have negotiated 17 tentative agreements (TAs) out of a total of 56 articles for our master contract.  Most of the articles are administrative and do not address major issues, but some do cover important things like protection from discrimination and your right to see your personnel records.  Last week, we reached a TA on the definition of University seniority.  We didn’t negotiate any departmental uses or alternative definitions of seniority that may come into play later.  

We’re encouraging UMMAP members to join the Master Agreement Team to observe negotiations on Wednesday between 9am-5:30, starting this month.  Attending negotiations can give you a sense of the process and how our Master Agreement Team deliberates around contract articles, presents proposals and responds to management’s counter-proposals.  To attend, follow this link:  Bargaining RSVP.  

On Tuesday, April 30, four of us met with management about compensation.  The conversation was good and candid.  We received a lot of good information and management seems open to rethinking salary structures..  During this meeting, we could see where there is common ground and possible divergent interests.  We will continue to meet with management on compensation so we can design wage scales that are good, fair and objective.  

On April 17th, we presented an article that would protect us from  Harassment and Bullying.  Management thought this proposal was redundant and covered under current Michigan Medicine policy.  During that same session,we shared  stories about unsafe working conditions to support our proposal on Health and Safety.  These stories made a big impact on management.  We felt they heard us and so we are now looking for your stories about harassment/bullying.  You can share them here: Harassment/Bullying Stories. 

We look forward to seeing you at our Negotiation Sessions.

In Solidarity.