Contact: Daniel Caracheo Teniente, (616) 287-3234, soul.of.mu.mpc@gmail.com
Workers at the Statewide Organized United Labor of Michigan United and Michigan United Action have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. This victory is the culmination of nearly a year and a half of negotiations and over three years of workers exercising their rights to organize their workplace. Workers unionized with the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, TNG-CWA Local 34022.
“We are proud of this victory,” said Danny Caracheo, the bargaining unit chair. “Through our CBA, we have codified the existing progressive policies that Michigan United already had in place and won new policies that will make Michigan United a more fair and equitable workplace.”
Michigan United and its sister organization, Michigan United Action, are among the state’s largest progressive advocacy organizations. In 2022, the workers contacted 1.6 million voters, successfully mobilizing them to defend reproductive rights and voting rights. They have also led initiatives on prison sentencing reform. Currently, two of the organizations’ main priorities are passing legislation to restore access to driver’s licenses for every Michigan resident, regardless of citizenship status, and banning political contributions from monopoly corporations and companies seeking state contracts.
“Unionizing is a powerful tool for us organizers,” said Rose Maya, a member based in Grand Rapids. “It empowers us to unite, amplify our voices, and hold organizations accountable. Through solidarity, we can secure fair treatment, better working conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves.”
“We look forward to working with Michigan United as equals in implementing and enforcing our contract,” Caracheo said. “We are making progress towards establishing a more democratic and equitable workplace. We hope our experience encourages more workers to unionize and join the labor movement. Solidarity.”
Key wins in the agreement:
- $50,000 salary minimum for all new full-time positions, representing an immediate pay increase of $2,000 – $7,000 for most workers
- More equitable severance benefits and per diem benefits
- Guaranteed wage increases for the next three years
- Guaranteed vision and dental insurance
- Just Cause and progressive discipline protections
- An agreement to review and update job descriptions as necessary and at the employee’s request if there are significant changes to responsibilities or role
- Commitment from the organization to provide a healthy and safe work environment and not reject reasonable requests to work remotely if the work environment is not safe, harassment-free and healthy
- Requirement to provide 30-days notice in the event of a reduction in force
- Job security from artificial intelligence and advancements in technology
- Support for parents to have private locations to nurse their children
- Language to provide peace of mind for non-citizen staff in the event of delays from USCIS
- Fifteen holidays, including Cesar Chavez Day, May Day, Juneteenth , Trans Day of Remembrance and more
- One week off for summer break and two weeks off for winter break
- Two months of sabbatical after four years of employment
- Time off for voting in any elections
- Paid professional development training for employees
- Establishment a Labor-Management Committee to promote communication, problem solve and develop a more democratic organization