ARE YOU WORKING FOR FREE?
How many of our APA members accept more work when someone leaves? We often hear the departments saying they plan to post positions, but someone needs to cover the work until that posting is filled. Then time elapses and the posting may or may not be filled.
This extra work would likely fall under the new Interim Assignments contract language. This language recognizes the extra load and dedication when asked to do such work. If you are asked, please look at the contract language below and make sure to contact us because interim assignments are voluntary.
III. Interim Assignments
-99 The University shall pay a minimum additional payment of $500 in any monthly pay period where the employee has performed in an interim assignment for fifteen (15) or more working days. The payment may be a temporary additional to base salary or a lump-sum special payment at the unit’s discretion. A lump-sum special payment will not be subject to salary-based benefits, such as the Employer or Employee contributions under the MSU 403(b) base retirement plan, life insurance, etc.
In order to qualify for the additional pay, the Employee must be assigned to the interim position by a supervisor or managerial University official. The interim assignment must be to cover a vacancy or leave. The assignment will be in writing and must include the following components:
1. Effective dates. Assignments may be extended on mutual agreement, ended at the Employer’s discretion or ended by the Employee with fourteen (14) working days’ notice.
2. Summary of duties.
3. Compensation (either the minimum payment or higher salary amount).
4. Employee continues to accrue seniority and benefits under the collective bargaining agreement and continues to be covered under the agreement.
5. The Association continues to represent the employee during the interim assignment.
6. Assignment is at-will and voluntary.
7. Employee will return to their prior position at the end of the interim assignment.
An assignment in an interim role does not constitute a reclassification and does not waive any probationary or trial period. An assignment to an interim role outside of the bargaining unit does not give rise to a claim that such work should be included in this bargaining unit. An interim assignment does not otherwise limit the University’s or the Association’s right under this agreement.
We have been hearing of situations where interim assignments were not voluntary and did not replace the normal work duties but were an additional load. We also are learning of department making these assignments without compensation. This goes beyond a sustainable working condition and could be a violation of the contract. If not addresses quickly, the work becomes untenable, and you can find yourself in a performance review meeting. If you are approached to take on extra work due to a vacancy or a position the department does not intend to refill, you need to contact your APA as soon as possible.
In solidarity,
Martin McDonough
MSU APA President