Unionizing for Audiologists and SLPs: Why, How, and What It Means (PD103037)
You can view this video for free (without CE credit) on ASHA Stream.
Collective bargaining efforts play an important role in addressing many important public policy issues facing audiologists and speech-language pathologists, such as advocating for manageable workloads, workplace conditions, better wages, job security, and professional recognition. This course shares perspectives from a group of audiologists who joined the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professions (UMMAP), a union made up of multiple bargaining units of health care employees spanning across Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Health). Participants will gain firsthand insights from current union members and a union leader on why they decided to become a part of a union and the process for doing so.
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:
- Explain the role of unions, with specific relevance to audiologists and SLPs
- Describe how bargaining units function, including key components of master and unit-specific contracts
- Identify the steps and strategies to begin organizing or joining a union in your workplace
Presenter Information
Megan Cherry, AuD, CCC-A, CH-AP, is an audiologist at Michigan Medicine. Her areas of clinical interest include vestibular evaluations and electrophysiology, with a particular interest in pediatrics.
Disclosures:
- Clinical audiologist at University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine
- Member of United Michigan Medicine Allied Professions (UMMAP)
Greg Mannarelli, AuD, CCC-A, BCS-IOM, is an audiologist at Michigan Medicine. His primary focus is performing neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (IOM). He also provides patient care in the adult hearing aid program. At the pediatric hospital, he completes diagnostic evaluations with a focus on electrophysiological assessment of infant hearing.
Disclosures:
- Audiologist at Michigan Medicine
- Board Officer of United Michigan Medicine Allied Professions (UMMAP)
- Board Officer of the Michigan Audiology Coalition and American Board of Intraoperative Monitoring
Crystal Pitts, AuD, CCC-A, is an audiologist at Michigan Medicine. Her areas of clinical interests include vestibular evaluations, electrophysiology, and intraoperative monitoring.
Disclosures:
- Audiologist at Michigan Medicine
- Bargaining Team Member of United Michigan Medicine Allied Professions (UMMAP)
Assessment Type
Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.
To earn continuing education credit, you must complete and submit the learning assessment by the end date below.
Program History and CE Information
Content origination date: June 1, 2025
End date: June 1, 2030
This course is offered for 0.05 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level, Related area).