Leadership at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) has unilaterally ended HSA’s payroll dues deduction system — a process that has been in place since 1987. This was done without notice or input, shortly after HSA announced its intent to pursue formal union recognition.

CUSOM not only ended dues collection, but they also walked away from active negotiations on a memorandum of understanding (MOU). These two actions together appear to be a coordinated attempt to weaken HSA financially and undermine our ability to organize. This mirrors tactics used in anti-union campaigns across the country.

Because this is a defining moment. CU leadership is trying to dismantle our union, but we are not backing down.

Opting in means:

• You remain an HSA member

• You help preserve our wins and build toward a formal union contract

• You send a clear message: We will not be silenced

As of September 30, 2025, HSA dues will no longer be deducted from your paycheck. That means you will no longer be a dues-paying member of HSA unless you opt in to our new independent dues system.

Simply fill out the opt-in form to authorize recurring equal monthly payments. It takes just a few minutes.

• Dues are $21.50/month (the same as before)

• You can choose to contribute more if you're able during this critical time

• Payments are secure, encrypted, and only used for union operations

Yes. The platform uses Formstack and Authorize.net — both of which are trusted by unions and nonprofits nationwide. Your payment info is:

• Encrypted and secure

• Only stored for recurring payment purposes

• Not accessible to anyone at HSA or CU

Your dues directly fund:

• HSA’s staff and organizing infrastructure

• Materials, events, and communications

• Legal advocacy, contract efforts, and grievance support

• Everything HSA does to protect, represent, and empower CU housestaff

Dues are how we maintain collective power. Without them, our ability to advocate is at risk.

No. You will not be charged after graduation. All you need to do is:

• Enter your expected grad date in the opt-in form

• Email us when you complete your training to confirm

We’ve built in safeguards to ensure payments stop when you finish.

We understand, but you are protected.

• We act as a collective, which protects individuals

• ACGME rules guarantee due process for all trainees

• Colorado’s PROPWA law makes retaliation illegal and enforceable

• HSA will stand with you, and you're never alone in this fight

The strongest protection we have is each other, and the more members who stand together, the safer and stronger we are.

Residents and fellows, in their advocacy through HSA, have fought for and won:

• Stipend increases

• Intern moving stipends

• Parking access at UCH and DH

• Meal upgrades

• Backup phones

• Retirement match

• Advocacy in cases of mistreatment, dismissal, and more

Without HSA, resident and fellow voices would be shut out of CU leadership decisions.

• Come to a meeting — all housestaff are welcome

• Contact us at cuhousestaff@gmail.com

• Talk to a fellow member or rep

• Join a committee — there’s a role for everyone

HSA has stood up for CU housestaff for nearly 40 years. Don’t let CU leadership silence that voice now. Stay a member. Stay strong. Opt in.