UMF AFT-AAUP FAQs
General:
What is a union?
A union is a group of workers united together to make decisions about conditions affecting their work. Unions work to advance respect, security, and economic justice in the workplace, as well as to advocate with other unions and for their communities. Once a union is certified, like the UMF AFT-AAUP, the union is the sole representative for all of the members within a bargaining unit–that is, a group of workers whom the union is authorized to represent. This representational authority means the union can engage in collective bargaining (i.e. negotiating a contract) with management to determine wages and working conditions.
Who does the UMF AFT-AAUP represent?
The UMF AFT-AAUP represents the tenured and tenure track faculty on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint who are not in administrative positions that involve direct supervision of other tenured and tenure track faculty.
How many bargaining unit members are there in the UMF AFT-AAUP?
This number fluctuates slightly as people retire, join the faculty, and move in or out of administrative roles, but there are just over 160 members in the UMF AFT-AAUP bargaining unit.
For whom does the UMF AFT-AAUP negotiate a contract?
The UMF AFT-AAUP negotiates the contract of all tenured and tenure track faculty on the University of Michigan-Flint campus, whether or not a particular faculty member has joined the union. Similarly, the UMF AFT-AAUP is legally obligated to represent the interests of tenured and tenure track faculty on the Flint campus in grievances whether or not they are members of the union.
For what and for whom does the UMF AFT-AAUP advocate?
At its root, the UMF AFT-AAUP advocates to ensure that the labor of the tenured and tenure track faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint is recognized and valued. Because our working conditions are also the learning conditions of our students, and this impacts all our co-workers and our community, we also advocate for protecting and strengthening the conditions of learning at UM-Flint, the value of the labor of all workers across campus, and the institution’s public good mission. For a detailed articulation of our vision, see our UMF AFT-AAUP Mission Statement.
Isn’t there already a faculty union on UM-Flint’s campus?
There is! The Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO) represents lecturers, who are also faculty members but who are not on the tenure track. In addition, there are other unions on the UM-Flint campus, including those representing librarians, curators, and archivists (LEO-Glam); some categories of staff (USU); the skilled trades (Skilled Trades Union); and service workers (AFSCME). UMF AFT-AAUP aims to work in solidarity with all of our labor siblings to ensure that the value and dignity of all of our work is recognized and supported.
For Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty Members:
Who runs our union?
We do! Unions are democratic and all decisions are made through democratic processes. We nominate and elect our officers and stewards (i.e., those who liaison between executive leadership and the rank-and-file), and we vote on our contracts and dues.
Why join the UMF AFT-AAUP?
There are many reasons! Joining the union ensures that you have a voice and a vote in all union matters, most importantly the negotiation of the union’s collective bargaining agreement with the university. In addition, by joining the union, you show the university that you support a strong contract for tenured and tenure track faculty members. Since this is your contract (assuming you are a tenured or tenure track faculty member), you have a direct interest in strengthening the contract and having a say in its development.
What are union dues?
We will determine that soon, together. Typically union dues are between 1% and 2% of salary. No dues are collected until we win a contract.
What are dues used for?
Dues pay for things like our union staff, legal costs, office space and other necessary expenses. Dues legally cannot go to political candidates.
Can I be retaliated against for being involved with the union?
No. It is illegal for management to retaliate against or intimidate workers for being involved in a union. Further, state labor law protects our right to discuss unionization during work hours and on campus, so long as doing so does not interfere with normal work activities.
How do I join the union?
If you haven’t already joined the union, you can do so by signing the following online union card: UMF AFT-AAUP Union Card.
How do I get more involved?
Our union is only as strong as our members are involved in making it strong. There is a form on this website’s homepage you can use to volunteer for a variety of union activities, or to simply learn more about them. For those who want to consider serving in a specific role, whether as part of elected leadership, a union steward, grievance officer, or some other role, feel free to reach out to the current leadership to ask questions and learn more. In fact, always feel free to reach out! We are committed to creating a democratic union with as much participation by members as possible.
For Students, Parents, and Community Members:
How does the union affect learning at the University of Michigan-Flint?
Student learning conditions are also faculty working conditions, so ensuring that faculty labor, in the classroom and beyond, is valued and supported helps to ensure prime learning conditions for UM-Flint students. In addition, the UMF AFT-AAUP makes a point of fighting for things that benefit students directly, both through bargaining and other kinds of advocacy.
How do I support the union?
Students, parents, and community members can support UMF AFT-AAUP in a variety of ways. On our homepage there is a form you can fill out that will allow us to keep you informed of current campaigns, volunteer opportunities, and other related news. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you!