Grants & Contracts Technology Manager
USM Catherine Cutler Institute
Years of Service: 18
Happy New Year, UMPSA members!
As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective strength and the progress we are making as a union. A new year offers us a fresh opportunity to advocate for the professional environment we all deserve.
First, we want to share our sincere excitement and extend congratulations to the University of Maine System Graduate Workers on reaching their first collective bargaining agreement. Their success is a victory for the entire labor movement across our campuses. When one group of workers secures better protections and fair compensation, it strengthens the foundation for all of us. We are proud to stand in solidarity with them as they begin this new chapter.
Looking ahead, we are aware that many of you have concerns regarding the upcoming deadline for Title II digital accessibility compliance (April 24, 2026). While ensuring our content is accessible to everyone is a vital goal we all support, it should not result in an unmanageable “heavy lift” for our salaried professional staff. Therefore, your UMPSA leadership is requesting that the University provide streamlined processes, software, instructions, and training to reduce manual labor and the time required to learn new tools. We are working to ensure you aren’t left to navigate the complex requirements alone. This work must be managed reasonably without infringing on your existing responsibilities or work-life balance. Lastly, we are committed to ensuring that the compliance requirements remain a university-wide structural priority, rather than an undue burden placed on individual employees (i.e., leadership must be involved). Please contact your campus/grievance representative if you have any issues or concerns regarding Title II digital accessibility requirements.
I look forward to everything we will achieve as a union this year!
In Solidarity,
Sara Abronze
UMPSA Statewide President