![[OLD] LEO Union](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b5a13e725bf029794d28c39/1534298030237-3ER637M0NANF1HYFTPGA/LEO+Logo+Horizontal+teal-2.png)
Open Letter to President Schlissel from the All Campus Labor Council
A lack of COVID-19 preparation, transparency, communication and follow through on the part of administration, led to a chaotic and unsafe reopening of campus.
The open letter below was sent to President Schlissel by presidents of UM unions, including LEO, who are part of the All Campus Labor Council, on September 21, 2020.
Dear President Schlissel,
We are writing to you on behalf of the All Campus Labor Council, a council of U-M unions. We are joined by many non-represented U-M workers and students who are struggling to improve their very difficult conditions. On Friday, September 11, 2020, we hosted an online forum where 200 workers and student allies met to share the impact that the University’s COVID-19 pandemic planning has had on all of us.
Overall, people noted a lack of COVID-19 preparation, transparency, communication and follow through on the part of administration, which led to a chaotic and unsafe reopening of campus. Cost reductions in the name of COVID-19 have had a negative impact on the health and safety of students and workers.
These are immediate and on-going needs raised by many speakers:
A serious, transparent COVID-19 testing and contact tracing program with a clear plan to regularly and consistently test students and workers.
Better student quarantine facilities and care, including increased mental health and academic counseling.
PPE availability and transparency regarding stock available.
Return to pre-COVID-19 contractually negotiated staffing guidelines for UMPNC members at Michigan Medicine.
Safe, round the clock campus transportation, including appropriate physical distancing on busses.
Allow all employees whose work allows it the option to work from home. We heard many stories of instructors being coerced into teaching in-person.
Staff working from home need equipment and technical support.
End the threat of layoffs, return people to work where there have been deep cuts in staffing. A “leaner” work model has left many staff with unfair, unsafe workloads.
Additionally, in the near future, we want to engage with you on the resources used for campus safety and our experiences with campus policing.
We want you to commit to not punish any UM workers acting together to better their working conditions and the health of our campus communities.
Lastly, we want to take part in developing solutions to the concerns identified above.
We understand you are dealing with a myriad of COVID-19 matters, but given the urgency of the issues, we would appreciate your response by Monday, September 28.. We are available to meet at your convenience.
On behalf of the Council,
Katie Oppenheim, BSN, RN; President, UMPNC
Ian Robinson, PhD; President, LEO
Victoria Hoch, MD; President, UMHOA
Cc. UM Regents