Per Article VII of the APA Constitution and Bylaws, the APA must begin preparations to negotiate a successor agreement by naming our Negotiations Committee in January of the year our current contract is set to expire.
Noting our current collective bargaining agreement is in force from October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2015, the APA Executive Board has appointed a cross-section of more than 20 APA members to serve on the Negotiations Committee.
As you likely recall, the APA negotiated and ratified our wage and health care agreement, which is in effect through 2017 – 2018, that ensures the opportunity for wage increases each year as well as fully funded health care for the base plan.
Therefore, base wage increases and health care will not be a topic of negotiation for the upcoming bargaining.
The APA anticipates negotiations with MSU to begin in late summer. Prior to that time, the APA will be engaging and soliciting membership input for bargaining through surveys, feedback forums, and email. Ultimately, any tentative agreement reached at the bargaining table must be brought to a vote of the entire APA membership for ratification.
Be sure to watch official APA ListServ messages regarding contract input surveys and open meeting dates prior to and during the 2015 bargaining cycle. This is your union so your input is greatly appreciated!