2015 Bargaining Update
Who represents all APA members at the bargaining table?
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. Accordingly, roughly 30 members comprising a cross section of the membership were appointed to serve on the APA 2015 Negotiations Committee in January 2015.
Additionally, a group of seven members and two alternates from the Negotiations Committee have been appointed to serve as the 2015 Bargaining Team, the body of individuals that sit at the table to negotiate a successor contract.
Will wages and health care be part of the 2015 negotiations?
No. The APA negotiates our wage and health care as part of a joint coalition of campus support staff unions. That agreement – lead by APA UniServ Director Melissa Sortman as the chief negotiator – was bargained in 2013. The union is proud to have fought off a high deductible health care plan and also secured eligible annual wage increases each year 2015 – 2018. Fully funded health care, annual wage increases, lump sum bonuses, 2-1 match on member’s 403(b) and other benefits we all enjoy would not be possible without a strong and properly resourced union.
What topics or items can be bargained during the APA 2015 negotiations?
All other elements – except base wage and health care – that are regarded as a member’s wages, hours, and conditions of employment may be elements bargained at the table such as sick time, educational assistance, notice requirements, and pro forma functions of the APA contract.
How can members provide input?
Several APA member forums have already been held around campus including our Community and Regional Luncheons as well as other member meetings. Additionally, the entire membership was recently sent an online survey soliciting member input. More member input sessions and venues are being scheduled and members can directly email their input to [email protected].
What happens when a tentative agreement is reached at the bargaining table?
Once a tentative agreement is reached between the APA and University bargaining teams, the full tentative agreement will be communicated with the APA membership. Member forums will be scheduled so members can ask questions to better inform their vote. Ultimately, the tentative agreement and change in contract language will be presented to the APA membership for an electronic vote. A majority of voters must vote in the affirmative to ratify the tentative agreement before the document officially becomes our successor contract.
What are the next steps?
Be sure to watch for official APA ListServ messages, attend APA campus meetings, and read our bargaining communications to stay updated during the 2015 bargaining cycle.