Bargaining Chairperson Report - September 2025

Bargaining Chairperson Report

September 20, 2025

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

University and AFSCME have reached a tentative agreement. We are working on a date for Michigan Medicine. We have a date and time for campus, Monday, September 22, 8:00 am until 11:30 am, 1239 Kipke Dr., Campus Safety Services Building – Room 2029

Benefits:

October will be open enrollment for any changes you want to make for your Benefits. Below are the changes for Health Insurances Plans.

In accordance with Article 31, this communication is to inform you of the following changes in the University’s benefit plans for 2026. Changes are effective January 1, 2026.

Health Insurance Plans - Staff member’s contributions for health plans and coverage levels for 2026 can be found online now using Wolverine Access, Self Service > Benefits. A uniqname and UMICH (Kerberos) password are required. The page displays the individualized rates for faculty and staff members. Rates for all benefits plans for which employees are eligible, not just the health plan rates, are displayed.

The Michigan Care plan will be discontinued as of Dec. 31, 2025. Individuals currently enrolled in Michigan Care who do not make an election during Open Enrollment, will be automatically enrolled in the U-M Premier Care plan.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, chiropractic spinal manipulation benefit will be added to the U-M Premier Care plan. This new coverage will be limited to 24 visits per year with a regular office visit copay.

The university offers a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) with a health savings account (HSA). The annual combined medical and prescription drug deductible will be $1,700 (individual)/$3,400 (family). Once the deductible has been reached, a 10% coinsurance on medical claims and prescription drug copays will apply to the out-of-pocket maximum of $5,500 (individual)/$10,600 (family).

The HSA is a tax advantage health care savings account that is available to individuals that enroll in the consumer-directed health plan the university will contribute up to an annual maximum of $850 (individual) / $1,700 (family). Members can contribute a maximum of $4,400 (individual) / $8,750 (family) for 2026.

More information about our health plans can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/benefits-enrollment/changing-your-benefits/open-enrollment.

Dental Plan – The calendar year maximum benefit will increase from $1,250 to $1,500 for Dental Option 2 and Option 3.

Flexible Spending Accounts – The annual amount staff can contribute to a Health Care Flexible Spending Account will increase to $3,300 for 2026. The annual amount staff can contribute to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account will increase to $7,500 for 2026.

Discipline:

Discipline should be both corrective and progressive, not punitive. Michigan Medicine and the University (campus) will follow the discipline procedure, which is both corrective and progressive. The discipline process will be documented as a warning, a written warning, a one-day disciplinary layoff, a two-day disciplinary layoff, or a written warning in place of a disciplinary layoff (paper DLO—for absenteeism only), and ultimately discharge. If an employee remains discipline-free for one year, the supervisor will revisit a previous step before proceeding with progressive discipline. Paper DLOs will be clearly marked and used specifically for disciplinary action related to unexcused absenteeism. For serious offenses, the steps of progressive discipline may vary.

Inappropriate Language:

Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Avoid sensitive subjects; personal and intimate conversations are not appropriate. The use of profanity is never acceptable. Using discriminatory or demeaning words is not appreciated by anyone. Words spoken in jest or in anger that are inappropriate can have serious consequences. If a situation becomes uncomfortable and confrontational, do not hesitate to disengage as quickly and quietly as possible. Never be afraid to step away to de-escalate the situation.

You can ask a steward about any issues affecting your work or if you think your contract is broken. Be specific when describing the violation, including what happened, where, when, and who was involved.

Chief Stewards can be contacted at the union hall on Fridays. Please feel free to contact me anytime. My number is (734)323-4868. Email [email protected] or the union hall (734)480-3852.

Cassandra Millett

Bargaining Chair