For this installment of APA Questions From The Trenches, we asked APA President Maury Koffman to answer a potpourri of questions that members have brought to attention recently.
If I leave MSU employment prior to 25 years of service, do I retain the total balance of my 403(b) retirement account including the MSU contribution?
Yes. The APA is proud to have negotiated a vibrant retirement plan. Employee contributions are 5% and University contributions are 10% of the employee’s base annual salary. The money contributed to your 403(b) plan – employee and employer amounts – vests immediately and goes with you at any time you conclude your employment relationship with MSU.
I have questions about our APA bargained retirement plan administered through MSU. Who can I contact for more information?
There is an FAQ on the MSU HR website at http://www.hr.msu.edu/benefits/retirement that provides more information around our retirement plan. Additionally, you can contact the retirement office via phone at 517.353.4434 or via email at [email protected].
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How much is the negotiated APA annual wage increase this year for 2016?
The APA negotiated annual wage increase is applied every year in October. For the 2016 year, the APA annual base wage increase is 1%. This amount will be applied across the board meaning each and every member of the APA will be provided the full 1% base wage increase in October 2016.
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When wage increases are greater than 1% in a given year, the APA contract provides that 40% of the wage increase is automatic – across the board – and 60% applies the merit pay guidelines that require objective and consistent application. Your immediate supervisor should also provide advance notice of you annual wage increase amount before it is realized on your October 2016 paycheck.
Does the APA contract define a minimum and maximum annual salary for all members of the bargaining unit?
Yes and no. The APA contract outlines minimum salary requirements for all grade levels within the bargaining unit. However, the APA contract serves as a floor and individual bargaining unit salaries may rise above the APA minimums and progression levels.
How long do I have to maintain one APA position before applying for other positions on campus?
Per the APA contract, individuals can apply for other APA and campus positions at any time. There is no period of time a bargaining unit member must wait before seeking alternative positions.
I have been offered another job on campus. How much notice must I give before resigning my current position?
There is no length of notice requirement to resign from your current position. However, when moving to another position within MSU, departments may facilitate up to a 30-day window for the transition. The APA encourages providing as much notice as possible with the standard minimum of two weeks notice if your calendar for transition allows.