For this installment of APA Questions from The Trenches, we asked APA President Maury Koffman to answer a series of questions regarding the APA wages.
What was the eligible base wage increase amount that was applied in October 2017?
For October 2017, the eligible salary increase was 1.9% with 40% of the wage increase provided automatically across-the-board and 60% of the wage increase provided by management’s application of the merit pay guidelines.
How is the merit pay portion of the wage increase determined for 2017?
The APA contract mandates an objective process for supervisors to use in determining the merit pay portion of the APA annual wage increase. Â The full details can be found within the APA contract. Â In short, the criteria must be openly communicated and objectively applied throughout the department. Â Additionally, the decision on merit pay allocation must have been discussed between you and your immediate supervisor before your October 2017 paycheck if you were not awarded the full amount.
What should an APA member do if their wage did not increase by 1.9% in October?
The APA always encourages frequent and transparent conversations between a member and her/his supervisor. If a member did not receive the full 1.9% base wage increase and was not informed ‘why’ by their supervisor, that member should schedule an opportunity to meet and review the reasons why the full 1.9% was not awarded. Of course, a member should also feel free to contact the APA office at 517.999.4004 to discuss his/her specific case.
What happens if a member makes more than the APA minimum and progression level salary? Does that member still receive the October wage increase?
Yes. The APA minimum and progression salary levels work as a floor and there is no ceiling for APA salaries. Therefore, even if a member’s salary exceeds those amounts, that individual is still eligible and must have received the October 2017 base wage increase.
Why did some members receive an additional small payment from MSU on December 1?
The APA is proud to have negotiated and preserved a longevity pay benefit for APA members. A member becomes eligible for a longevity payment once s/he has completed six years of MSU service and was an active employee for at least 39 weeks during the immediate year prior. The longevity payment amount is a sliding scale based on years of service but ranges from 2% to 8% of the first $9,500 or, stated differently, $190 to $760.
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.