For this installment of APA Questions From The Trenches, we asked APA President Maury Koffman to highlight the answers to questions raised by members regarding the conclusion of the lump sum payments dispute with MSU.
What is the gross payment members will receive now that the University has been compelled through the courts to payout the remaining amounts unilaterally withheld in violation of our APA contract?
Members who received partial payout of the lump sum bonus in January 2014 will receive the remaining gross payment amount – $264.21 – in their April 2016 paycheck. The payout is subject to taxes, deductions, and any other garnishments. Per the ratified contract, payment will be issued in full for 100% full-time equivalent (FTE) status employees and reduced on a proportional basis for part-time employees.
Members who received partial payout of the lump sum bonus in January 2015 will receive the remaining gross payment amount – $87.68 – in their April 2016 paycheck. The payout is subject to taxes, deductions, and any other garnishments. Per the ratified contract, payment will be issued in full for 100% full-time equivalent (FTE) status employees and reduced on a proportional basis for part-time employees.
Eligible members who received both the January 2014 and January 2015Â payments will have one single payment in your April 2016 paycheck for $351.89
What makes someone eligible for the payment?
To be eligible for the payment, the individual must have been (1) actively employed on January 1, 2014/2015, (2) be MSU health care benefits eligible, and (3) a member of the APA bargaining unit. Even if a member invoked the health care waiver, s/he is still eligible for the lump sum payment if s/he met the eligibility criteria. And, if both an individual and his/her spouse/OEI were eligible for the payment, both APA members should receive the payment.
How will the January 2014 and January 2015 payout be issued?The payment will be noted as special pay and should be included in the member’s April 2016 regular paycheck slated to be issued on April 29, 2016.
Are individuals eligible for the April 2016 payout if they received the January 2014 and/or 2015 payments and later left MSU employment before the court compelled MSU to issue payout of the wrongfully withheld funds?
Yes. The eligibility criteria will remain the same and therefore if an individual satisfied the eligibility criteria as of January 1, 2014/2015, the full amount must be issued to the APA member even if that individual left MSU before the withheld amount is distributed.
Who paid our legal fees to compel MSU to issue the payout for violating the APA contract?
Our state affiliate, the Michigan Education Association, covered all costs to ensure the Wage and Health Care Agreement was enforced as ratified by the APA contract. There was no additional cost to the APA for pursuing these legal claims on behalf of every APA member.
Who should I call with my additional questions?
APA members should feel free to contact the APA office at 517.999.4004 or via email at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.