On Monday, October 10, 2011, months of tough contract negotiations concluded when the APA reached a tentative agreement with the administration of Michigan State University for a successor APA contract valid through September 30, 2015. Â As with most collective bargaining, neither management nor labor obtained everything sought at the commencement of negotiations.
As anticipated, the employer met the 2011 APA Bargaining Team with demands to codify the pronouncement by President Simon in spring 2010 to cease University funding for post-retirement health care benefits for employees beginning their University employment on or after July 1, 2010. Â The employer also sought modifications in overtime computation and educational assistance along with another 30 proposals.
Responding to the information and data from APA membership surveys and input provided through member engagement events, emails, and phone calls, the APA Bargaining Team entered negotiations with proposals on access to employee-paid optional benefits such as short term disability and optical insurance. Â The APA also had an extensive proposal on enhanced dental coverage. Â In total, the APA proposed nearly 30 contract improvements at the beginning of negotiations.
From August to October 2011, the APA met with the employer on numerous occasions. Â Attempting to move the process forward, both sides mutually agreed to withdraw several proposals and focus on the larger issues in effort to reach a tentative agreement.
Ultimately, the Bargaining Team agreed on proposals regarding post-retirement health care, overtime, and modification to educational assistance. Â Despite the difficult climate for labor negotiations in Michigan and the state of our economy, the APA was also able to secure multiple successes.
Improved language eliminates a mandatory trial or probationary period for member subject to a simple reclassification. Â New policies were added for members placed on Call-in and Standby status that mandates reasonable compensation. Â Discretion of family sick leave use was improved by allowing 80 hours from the previous 64 hour limit. Â Other Eligible Individuals (OEIs) were added into multiple provisions to ensure each member of the bargaining unit is treated equally. Â And, letters of agreement were obtained that ensure discussions with the employer on enhanced dental coverage and self-purchased supplemental benefits will continue until there is a mutually agreeable resolution.
After notice of the tentative agreement was provided to the APA membership, information sessions were held on campus in East Lansing, as well as at the CHM Grand Rapids and COM Detroit Medical Center campuses. Â Members who attended delved into the issues and had productive dialogue.
Ratification voting opened on October 17 and concluded at 4pm on Monday, October 31. Â With 69% voting in favor, the tentative agreement was officially ratified by the APA membership.
The APA greatly appreciates the comments that were provided leading into and during negotiations and membership questions and engagement around the tentative agreement ratification. Â The APA understands that this ratified agreement may have a significant impact on individual members and will continue to be engaged on recent contract modifications to ensure impact to members is as minimal as possible.
For further information or to ask questions, please contact the APA at [email protected] or at 517.353.4898.