For this installment of APA Questions From The Trenches, we asked APA President Maury Koffman to answer questions regarding the APA contract and our wage and health care agreement.
Can you explain the interaction between our APA contract and the wage and health care agreement?
For the last 15+ years, the APA has helped lead negotiations with the other campus support staff unions to bargain a joint agreement for all unionized campus staff regarding wages and health care. In effect, the wage and health care agreement means that all support staff on campus are afforded the same health care coverage and eligible annual base wage increase amounts. Â
In addition, each bargaining unit including the APA negotiates a separate contract that outlines all other matters related to wages, hours, and conditions of employment. In essence, the APA contract stipulates all matters related to AP employment except minimum annual base wage increase amounts and health care coverage options. That means the APA negotiates matters such as sick and vacation time, longevity pay, educational assistance, and other non-wage and health care benefits separately for APA members.
How long is the current APA contract in place?
The current APA contract is in place through September 30, 2019.
How long is the current wage and health care contract in place?
The current wage and health care agreement is in place through December 31, 2017, and guarantees fully funded health care coverage for the base plan (BCN) with no monthly premium for single, double, or family coverage.
When will we negotiate a new contract?
The APA anticipates negotiating a new wage and health care agreement in the spring and summer of 2017. Regarding the APA contract, we will likely return to the negotiation table with MSU in early summer of 2019.
Where can I review the APA contract and the wage and health care agreement?
Electronic versions of the APA contract and the wage and health care agreement can be found on the APA website at:
http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/documents/
Who can I contact for more information or if I have questions or concerns?
Please feel free to reach the APA office anytime via email at [email protected] or call us during regular business hours at 517.999.4004.