WELCOME TO
OPEIU LOCAL 459
Local 459 is a labor Union for white collar workers. It is dedicated to improving the work life of its members and the community. Local 459 has more than 2,700 members who work throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan.
Benefits
Union member benefits and resources
Need a Union?
Steps to form a union where you work
Your Contract
Explore your bargaining agreements
Resources
Resources, training, and your rights as a Shop Steward
Daniel works in Sterile Processing under our McLaren POST unit contract. His proud mother, Kerri Gallagher, works in the Vascular Lab under our McLaren TECH unit contract.
Daniel won $459 for his efforts! Congratulate him if you see him in the halls at MGL.


2023 STUDENT DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM
The 2023 Student Debt Reduction Program has been released. Applicants must be a member in good standing for 12 out of the last 14 months and must have completed an Associate or Undergraduate Degree Program at a College, University or recognized Technical or Vocational Post-Secondary school. The applicant must also have at least $10,000 in outstanding student debt and is making regular student loan payments to a recognized student load provider and must submit documentation that student loan payments are up to date. Members who have received an OPEIU Howard Coughlin scholarship award within the last five (5) years are not eligible for this program.
Five (5) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded in July each year. Applicants are eligible to only receive one (1) $2,500 lifetime award.
Click on the link below to download and complete the application which must be returned to the Local 459 office for membership verification.
Application deadline is June 30, 2023.
TIC Ratifies 2-Year Agreement
The members at TIC ratified at 2-year agreement adding $1.25 to each new 24-month step scale (employees will be moved commensurate with their seniority on the scale; employees beyond the 2-year step will also receive an additional raise of $1.25 or 5% whichever is greater). TIC has agreed to a wage reopener in February 2024.
Members who have 4 years or less seniority with receive a $750 signing bonus, 5-9 years seniority will receive a $1,000 signing bonus, and members with 10+ years of seniority will receive a $1,250 signing bonus.
Joint Labor Management Meetings (JLMM) will resume on April 3rd where several issues will be worked on like the TECHNOLOGY issues! Please let us (or Chief Steward Tori Centilli) know if you’re interested in participating in the JLMM.
Other highlights include:
- Phone coverage: one hour off the phones three days/week to assist in catching up on work.
- Flexibility in use of bereavement days: four days off within thirty days and one day off within six months (three days paid).
- Schedule flexibility (make-up time): employees may (with supervisors’ permission) flex 2 hours/week without documentation. Time must be made up within the same week.
- Call-ins: employees only need to call-in once if out for a known period (i.e., Covid or surgery). Various communications for absence will be acceptable.

Pictured left to right: Office Coordinator Ronda Ackerson, Ashley Huff, Chief Steward Tori Centilli, Chris Raymond, Kathy Giganti, Service Representative Lance Rhines, and Karla Shurmantine.
Members in Action
OPEIU Members in Action
Out next UNION PROUD winner is…. Ciara Kolansinksi
Ciara has been with Financial Plus Credit Union for six years. She is currently working at the Corunna Road branch as a full time FSR. She started as a teller at the main office and transferred to Fenton to start cross training as an FSR. She has worked at most of the branches either as her home branch or helped as the branches needed.
Ciara comes from a big family; she is one of six children. She has two adorable nephews and one niece. Ciara has the sweetest golden doodle named Alessi.
In Ciara’s free time, she LOVES spending time with her friends & family and traveling. When she is not doing those things, she finds enjoyment in photography and taking daily vlogs.
Ciara is a PROUD Union member and had this to say “I love that I have a voice and that we can all come together. I appreciate everything the Union has done and continues to do” .
Ciara is a constant voice of Union support and solidarity. She always encourages new employees to join and is a huge support in the branch network.
Wanigas and Financial Plus Credit Union Merger
We are excited to announce the Wanigas Credit Union membership overwhelmingly approved the merger!
We will legally merge on August 1st with Wanigas officially transitioning to “Wanigas Credit Union A Division of Financial Plus.” This partnership is something to celebrate and one that ensures we remain a highly competitive force! Our members will join and become over 80,000 strong with combined assets of $1.2 billion. In an industry that is continuously evolving, we’ll be stronger and better positioned together to serve our members for generations to come.
Latest News
MGL POST Contract Ratified
MGL POST voted 79 % to 21 % 151 yes votes 39 no votes Please thank your bargaining team for all of their hard work POST Reaches a Tentative Agreement YOUR BARGAINING TEAM has reached a Tentative Agreement (T/A) with McLaren Greater Lansing (MGL) on a New Four (4)...
Local 459 McLaren Nurses Ratify Impressive New Contract
On November 4th, Registered Nurses at McLaren Greater Lansing overwhelmingly ratified a historic contract, with 85% approving the agreement. The new contract, covering about 400 RNs, makes MGL’s wages highly competitive in the regional market, improves staffing, and...
Morrison Employees Ratify First Contract
The seventy-four (74) newly Local 459 represented employees at Morrison Food Service voted almost unanimously to approve their first ever collective bargaining agreement (CBA). These new members work in the Food and Nutrition department at McLaren’s...
Newsletters
Nov 2020 – Apr 2021 Newsletter
Vote Yes on Proposed Constitutional Changes The Local 459 Constitution was last amended in February of 2017. Since that time, many changes have occurred with the OPEIU International Constitution. The Executive Board believed that there were enough changes that it...