Dear Lecturer:

On behalf of the University of Michigan and the Lecturers’ Employee Organization, welcome to the University and to LEO, the union that represents all non-tenure track faculty. As this may be your first time teaching at the University, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to LEO.

In 2001 lecturers began organizing a union to address a series of ongoing employment concerns. On the top of the list was the extremely low pay for lecturers relative to tenured faculty, and the total lack of job security, even after years of service at the University. Over an eight month period between 2003 and 2004

The LEO-UM contract provides funds on each campus to support the professional development of lecturers.

Recognizing the life-altering importance of higher education as well as its financial cost, both LEO and its affiliate organizations have created scholarships for college students. Read on for the details.

The Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO) is recognized by the State of Michigan as the sole collective bargaining agent for all non tenure-track faculty (except clinical faculty) who teach at the University of Michigan. Gains achieved in our collective agreements include improved job security, annual wage increases,promotional raises, summer health benefits, and an excellent grievance procedure.

The following information is provided to you as required by law.

As a lecturer at the University of Michigan, you have the right to become a member of the Lecturers' Employee Organization (LEO) or refrain from becoming a member without fear of reprisal by either LEO or the University. Court rulings over the years have determined that since non-members receive the benefits of the contract and union representation they are required to pay an agency fee. The agency fee is limited to that portion of union dues the Union expends on matters germane to collective bargaining with the employer.