Since 1986, Black Men in Unions has invited all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working people. In this conference, we pay special attention to bringing in black leaders to teach and cultivate the next generation of leadership. We welcome participants from all cultural or ethnic backgrounds and gender identities.
Information and registration for our upcoming conference below.
Important Note: We have recently been asked if "The North Meets South" conference, being held in Georgia on the same dates as the original University of Michigan Black Men in Unions (BMIU), is a CLCS event. It is NOT: the official Black Men in Unions Institute is a 4-day conference being held in Troy, MI. Please be advised that "The North Meets South" conference is a completely separate event that is NOT affiliated in any way with the University of Michigan, the Center for Labor & Community Studies, or the original Black Men in Unions Institute. Any use of our logo, name, or branding is being used without our permission. All official CLCS conferences and programming will always be listed on our website.
You can review the curriculums offered at past conferences below. As this is a long-standing conference, please note that not every year is represented. To see photos and video from past conferences, visit the Black Men in Unions Facebook page.
This year, BMIU will have ten workshops available, including one advanced course:
[FULL] The Uses/Advantages of Social Networking: Learn fundamental print and social media skills to strategically communicate with members and the public as well as effectively serve on communications committees. Participants will work as a team to produce an internal newsletter and content for conference social media accounts, learn campaign messaging tools and how to stay on message during interviews will be covered. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera and laptop.
[FULL] Grievance Handling: How do you know if your grievance is really a grievance? Come learn what qualifies as a grievance, how the process works, and the roles and responsibilities of a union grievance handler.
[FULL] Diversity & Civil Rights and How it Affects You: Why is diversity important to the Labor movement? How does it affect you? Check out this workshop to better understand the language in your contract relating to diversity and civil rights as well as the process used to get language and protections in your contracts.
Financial Planning 301: To attend this workshop you should have attended Financial Planning 101. Topics to be covered in this workshop are Retirement savings, financial goals- implementation, protections, retirement assets and distribution.
[FULL] African American Men in Labor History: Know your history or you are doomed to repeat it! You will gain knowledge of the struggles black men endured and fought against to make their mark in the labor movement. They paved the way for not only black men but all people of color to have a place in the labor movement.
[FULL] Contract Language/ Collective Bargaining: Does the thought of interpreting contract language and understanding the collective bargaining process sound confusing? Check out this workshop and gain clarity and better understand the contract language as well as the process used to get the language and protections benefiting members into your contract.
Youth in Unions: Our youth are our future!: This is an opportunity for our children to learn about the labor movement, why you are involved and why they should be too. Saturday class and Sunday graduation. Ages 8-17 years old. The cost is $60 per child. Please register your child(ren) through our Youth in Unions Registration Form.
[FULL] Male/Female Relations in the Workplace: How we relate to each other can determine how successful we are when we work together in the workplace and outside of the workplace. This workshop will discuss how we engage and relate to other genders. Can we do better? Let’s have the conversation!
[FULL] Mental Health Balance in the Workplace: Both work life and home life can put a strain on anyone’s mental health. It is so important to find that balance to be able to function and be our best in both environments. This workshop will explore tools to help us manage both and be productive.
[FULL] Executive Training: Stepping into Executive Roles: Acquire in-depth knowledge of being and administrator, whether you are rank-file or in leadership position. Understand how to be an effective board member in your union or in the community, this class is designed to assist you in maximizing your potential and develop leadership skills as a trade unionist and community leader.
Cost is $640 ($560 tuition, $80 mandatory meal fee)
Register online at clcs.umd.umich.edu, email photo/scan of this form to CLCS.info@umich.edu or fax 313-588-6430. Note, postal mail can take up to two weeks to reach us. You do not need your payment or voucher first to register. Please register and pay by February 1st, 2024. If we receive the full $640 payment by that date, you are eligible for the Express Lane — a shorter wait at check in. The mandatory meal payment includes 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches; evening meals are on your own. Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs) cover tuition costs, but not meals. If using TAP, apply for $560 tuition; you or your workplace pay the $80 meal payment beforehand or at registration.
Check-in is Thursday, February 8, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Welcome Session is 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A second check-in is 7:30am to 9:00am Friday. Conference runs 8:00am to 5:00pm Friday & Saturday, with graduation on Sunday.
BMIU will be held at Somerset Inn (2601 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084).
Rooms are available at Somerset Inn for $124 per night plus tax for a queen or $149 per night plus tax for a king. You can book at this special rate by calling 1-800- 222-8733 and ask for code BMIU before February 1, 2024 to reserve a room.
The last date to cancel the event at no cost is February 1, 2024. 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 amount.
Please contact our office or go to the scholarship application on our website to inquire about scholarship availability.
