Bargaining Chairperson's Monthly Report - October 2026

Bargaining Chairperson's Monthly Report - AFSCME Local 1583

October 17, 2026

Cassandra Millett

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Floating Holiday

Employees are entitled to one Floating Holiday within each twelve-month calendar year. Unused Floating Holiday time does not carry over, is not added to paid time off accruals, and will not be paid out upon termination or transfer to a position that does not offer this benefit. If an employee schedules but does not take their Floating Holiday during the calendar year and then transfers to another department, they may lose their preferred dates if the new department cannot accommodate the same schedule. In such instances, the employee will be allowed to reschedule the Floating Holiday.

• The Floating Holiday must be scheduled in advance and requires supervisory approval.
• Employees should use their department’s established process to request time off when scheduling the Floating Holiday.
• The Floating Holiday must be taken as one full day; partial days are not allowed.

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. No one appreciates discriminatory or demeaning words. Inappropriate words, even when spoken in jest or anger, can have serious consequences. If a situation becomes uncomfortable and confrontational, 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.

October is Open Benefits Enrollment Month

In accordance with Article 31, this communication is to inform you of the following changes in the University’s benefit plans for 2027. Changes are effective January 1, 2027.

 New Health Insurance Plan Offering 

We will add a new health plan, administered by Priority Health, to our health plan offerings starting in 2027. The new Priority Health plan offers a broad, Michigan-based provider network, including Michigan Medicine. Members are required to select a primary care provider, but referrals are not required to see in-network specialists. Coverage encourages use of in-network providers, as care received outside the network is generally not covered except in emergencies. To enroll, members must live in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. 

Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) and Health Savings Account Limit Changes 

The CDHP and HSA limits are revised annually based on IRS and ACA guidelines. The following limits will apply for 2027: 

• CDHP - Deductible (in-network): o Individual deductible will be $1,750 
• Family deductible will be $3,500 
• CHDP - Out-of-Pocket Maximum (in-network): o Individual will be $5,500 
• Family will be $12,000 
• HSA - Maximum Contribution (Employee + University) o Individual will be $4,500 
• Family will be $9,000 

More information about the University’s sponsored health plans can be found at hr.umich.edu/health-plans 

Flexible Spending Accounts 

The annual amount staff can contribute to a Health Care Flexible Spending Account will increase to $3,400 for 2027. 

Further details on the FSA plans for 2027 are available on the Benefits Office website at: hr.umich.edu/employee Contributions 

You can find the 2027 staff member contributions for the health, dental, legal services, and vision plans for each coverage level in Wolverine Access, Self Service > Benefits. You need a uniqname and UMICH (Kerberos) password. The page displays individualized rates for faculty and staff. 

Open Enrollment (OE) 

The Open Enrollment period runs from October 12th, 2026, to October 23rd, 2026. Employees will receive emails directing them to the Benefits Office website for information. The website will include a medical plan coverage comparison chart, information on where to find rates, details about other benefit plans, and instructions for making enrollment changes online through Wolverine Access. Self-service web enrollment is the standard way for staff to make benefit elections for 2027. 

Beginning October 12th, members may log in to Wolverine Access and use self-service Benefits to view their current elections and make changes until 5 p.m. on October 23rd. If an employee cannot access or use self-service Benefits, they may contact the Shared Services Center – HR Customer Care at (734) 615-2000 or (866) 647-7657. If the University hires an employee and processes their appointment by October 2nd, 2026, they will be eligible to participate in this year's Open Enrollment. 

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 at: (734) 480-3852.

Cassandra Millett, Bargaining Chair

AFSCME Local 1583