On September 30, 2024, members of the University Of Michigan House Officers Association (HOA) voted to affiliate with AFT (formerly the American Federation of Teachers) by a vote of 429-41. This concludes a multi-year and multi-contract cycle process of determining whether the HOA would join a larger labor federation for the first time. The HOA has been an independent union since its founding in 1972.

The HOA board recommended affiliation at a time when the healthcare industry is rapidly changing — the University of Michigan is not immune to those changes. Michigan Medicine is a regional and national power in healthcare, with a budget measured in billions. By adding the strength of an international organization to its own, the HOA ensures the well-being of resident and fellow physicians is prioritized now and moving forward.

AFT is highly active both in the state and specifically at the University of Michigan, where it represents roughly 10,000 employees in classifications ranging from Physician Assistants to Behavioral Health, Research Librarians, and Lecturers. AFT also represents interns, residents, and fellows at Western Michigan, Wayne State, and the Detroit Medical Center. Active in politics, the AFT will bring considerable strength to the table in UM Board of Regent Elections, as well as in Lansing and the national level.

The HOA will maintain control over its day-to-day operations, budget, and staff. "We are excited to see what we can build with this new partnership and see both of our groups mutually strengthening each other for whatever fights are ahead," said Dominic Barbato, Director of Organizing and Representation for the HOA.