2019 Black Men in Unions

2019 Black Men in Unions Institute

Where We Go From Here! 

FEBRUARY 21-24, 2019

Founded in 1986, the Black Men in Unions Institute invites all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working persons. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds.  This year's conference will be held at the Fairlane Club and Fairlane Center.

Download The Brochure & Registration Form Here

Register Online Here

Download the Conference Agenda Here

WORKSHOPS

1. YOUTH & UNIONS Two sections, according to age (1A 8- 12, 1B 13-16). Meets Saturday only. Cost $50 per student.

2. CONTRACT LANGUAGE The CBA is the ‘constitution’ of the shop. Learn how to interpret clauses and draft rules that govern the work environment.

3. DIVERSITY We are a strong nation because we are diverse. Learn how that truism can be used to build stronger bonds with our brothers and sisters in a diverse work setting.

4. EMPLOYMENT LAW & FMLA Map the landscape of workplace rights with a focus on understanding and utilizing the Family Medical Leave Act.

5. BUILDING SOLIDARITY The foundation of any union is solidarity. Explore the central sociological and psychological elements of building unity.

6. RETIREMENT PLANNING We all dream of quitting the grind and enjoying life someday. Here’s how to plan for a comfortable retirement.

7. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Point of Order? Privileged Motion? Come learn the basics of parliamentary procedure and how to shape the outcome of union meetings.

8. MALE-FEMALE COMMUNICATIONS #MeToo, #HeToo. Be a positive part of this movement by knowing how to identify and address gender discrimination and harass- ment. How should we talk and relate to other genders? Let's discuss.

9. AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN LABOR HISTORY Celebrate the work of our past heroes and trailblazers of today.

10. BASIC GRIEVANCE HANDLING One must know the form and merits of a good grievance in order to win justice and equity through the grievance system for members.

11. ELECTRONIC AND PRINT MEDIA Learn how to use the tools of social & print media to build membership unity.

12. GLOBALIZATION AND LABOR What can be done at the local level about global labor issues? Plenty. Get involved. WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND ACTIONS Activism is on the rise! Learn where and how and how to participate 

13. WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND ACTIONS Activism is on the rise! Learn where and how and how to participate.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

REGISTRATION: Download the 2019 BMIU registration form here. You may fax form to 313.583.6430, scan form as an attachment or send phone photo to LaborStudiesReg@umich.edu; or use US mail (Center for Labor and Community Studies, Fairlane Center North, Rm 257, 19000 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn, MI 48126). You can Register Online Here. Please register and pay by February 7, 2019. If we receive the full $640 payment by that date, you are eligible for the Express Lane—a shorter wait in line to check in.

CONFIRMATIONS ARE SENT BY EMAIL; BE SURE WE HAVE YOURS!COST: is $640 ($560 tuition, $80 mandatory meal fee). Mandatory meal payment includes 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches; evening meals are on your own. Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs) cover the tuition portion, but not meals. If using TAP, apply for $560 tuition; you or your workplace must include the $80 meal payment with your registration (or mail separately as soon as registering online).

TIMES AND DATES: First check-in is Thursday, February 21, from 4:00 to 7:00pm in Fairlane South. The Opening Session is 7:00pm to 9:00pm. There is also check-in at the Fairlane South from 7:30 to 9:00am Friday, February 22. Workshops run 8:00am to 5:00pm Friday & Saturday.

PLACE: General assemblies are at the Fairlane Club. Classes are held at the UM’s Fairlane Center at 19000 Hubbard Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48126. The Fairlane Club and Fairlane Center are connected by hallways.

HOTEL: Below are two hotels that offer special rates for Black Men in Unions.

Westin-Detroit Southfield Hotel: 1500 Town Center Drive, Southfield, MI  48075

Call 888.627.8558; mention the University of Michigan Black Men in Unions (BMIU) for $112/night single or double occupancy.

Be prepared to leave a deposit/hold for incidentals, and to give 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. Otherwise, you will be charged one night's stay. There is free self-parking on attached parking deck and in-room Internet available for $10 per day; it is a unionized hotel. 

Search on Westin Southfield Detroit in your browser to look over this hotel's amenities and location. Remember, do not register from the website; call 888.627.8588. 

Courtyard by Marriott Detroit-Dearborn Hotel: 5200 Mercury Drive, Dearborn, MI  48126

To make BMIU Group Reservations, call 313.271.1400; mention the University of Michigan Black Men in Unions (BMIU) for $89/night single or double occupancy. Be prepared to leave a deposit against incidentals and check their cancellation policy when you make your reservation. There is free flat-lot self parking and free in-room wi-fi.  The hotel is not union, but felt we needed to offer a hotel nearby as an alternative to the Edward Hotel, since it is now closed, and there are no other union hotels in the immediate area.

Search on Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Dearborn in your browser to look over this hotel's amenities and location. But remember, do not register from the website; call 313.271.1400.

CANCELLATION/REFUND: The last date to cancel the event at no cost is Thursday, February 14. To be valid, cancellations must be called in to CLCS at 313-583-6400. Registrants who do not cancel by the deadline or No-Show owe full payment of $640.00.

Limited number of partial scholarships available - Download the application Here or call us.