By Martin McDonough
Playing a Role in Contract Negotiations
The terms and conditions of your current position at MSU are part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that is negotiated on your behalf. The current CBA expires October 1, 2023. The process by which the successor agreement is negotiated can be found in our bylaws.
There are several parts to the negotiation process. The APA is required to assemble a Negotiations Committee at least nine months before the expiration of the current CBA. The committee is made up of dues paying members, and is appointed by the APA Chairperson, with the concurrence of the APA Executive Board. The APA is a very diverse group, and the goal of the selection process is to compile a committee that will represent as many perspectives as possible.
The duties of the Negotiations Committee are to survey membership, conduct open hearings, assist the Negotiating Team (Bargaining Team) in determining proposal priorities, and assist in research and communications. They also provide crisis assistance if necessary and provide other negotiations-related duties at the direction of the Bargaining Team or the Executive Board.
From the Negotiations Committee, the APA Chairperson appoints members of the Bargaining Team, with the concurrence of the Executive Board. This team has seven members, two alternates, and the MEA UniServ Director or other MEA representatives. The Bargaining Team has the full authority to negotiate on behalf of all personnel included in the APA bargaining unit. Once a Tentative Agreement (TA) is reached, the Bargaining Team brings it to the voting members for a ratification vote. If it passes, the TA is signed by the APA and the University. Based on the terms of the TA, a new successor agreement is drafted and signed.
If the ratification vote does not pass, the Bargaining Team will return to the bargaining table after taking steps to understand why the TA did not pass. This process may continue until there is an agreement.
The results of surveys and other input sessions are the primary guide for the Bargaining Team. Being involved is the most critical part of being a member. We can only best represent our members when we hear from them.
When you receive the surveys, invitations to town hall events or other opportunities to communicate with your union leadership, letting them know what you think is important. Responding to requests for information and opinions from the Negotiations Committee, the Bargaining Team and APA leadership is the only way you can become part of the negotiations process and impact the terms of YOUR employment.