Welcome!

Written by Bonnie Halloran

Thursday, 22 May 2008 13:17

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 we negotiated our first labor contract which we are proud to say is groundbreaking for non-tenure track faculty across the nation.

LEO represents approximately 1300 lecturers. As you begin your employment at Michigan, we invite you to take the time to consider becoming a member of the Lecturers’ Employee Organization. Members are able to fully participate in the democratic decision-making of LEO. They vote in elections, authorize job actions and ratify collective bargaining agreements. They have a voice in deciding the dues rate and the budget. Members also help guide the Union through their work on committees, and may hold office. Non-members have none of these rights.

The raises, increased benefits, establishment of seniority, and the protections won in our contract are shared by everyone in the bargaining unit, whether they choose to be a member or not. Under the terms of our contract, the University recognizes since all lecturers share in the benefits gained by LEO, that all lecturers should contribute to the financial support of the Union. While the majority of LEO’s work is accomplished through the volunteer efforts of our members, we do have three paid staff and major operating expenses.

We are asking you to make two choices in regards to your relationship with LEO:

Choose whether to become a member or not.
Indicate how you will contribute to the support of the Union.

The Payroll Authorization form available here for download allows you to accomplish both of these tasks.

You can indicate your desire to become a member of LEO. Members pay 1.6% dues and non-members pay a 1.45% service fee. By sending in the completed card you will be authorizing the automatic deduction from your monthly paycheck of either dues or the non-member service. If you do not wish to utilize the payroll deduction method of payment, the alternative is sending a check to LEO with your total dues or fee for the entire upcoming semester. According to the terms of the contract, this check must be paid in advance of the academic term. If you choose this option, you will need to calculate your dues/service fee based on your UM instructional salary for the semester. You should include a copy of your letter of appointment along with you check for verification of the amount. Checks should be made out to LEO.

We invite everyone to become a member of LEO. The benefits of membership cited above far outweigh the differential cost of non-membership. For example, if your annual UM salary is $35,000, the difference between membership dues and non-member service fee for a year is just $52.50. The larger our membership, the stronger LEO will be in representing the concerns and needs of lecturers to the university administration.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the LEO office (734-995-1813).

Once again, welcome to LEO and to the University of Michigan!

In solidarity,

Bonnie Halloran
President, LEO

LEOunion.org

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