Join The MSUAPA

Any employee of the APA Bargaining Unit may voluntarily elect to become a member. 

Our step-by-step guide on becoming a dues-paying member is available on our “Join the MSUAPA” page (online here), and our Membership Chair Lisa Goforth (lgoforth@msuapa.org) is ready to assist you!

All employees benefit from collective bargaining, but union members get extra protection, support, and opportunities not available to non-members.  

Dues-paying members have access to:  

• Extensive legal services, including legal liability coverage, reimbursement for employment-related legal costs, and access to legal assistance in criminal matters tied to employment.  
• Personalized services, such as career counseling, support navigating university policies, and extensive training on contracts, employment law, grievance processes, and retirement planning.  
• Full participation in union governance, including voting on proposed contract changes and participating in governance meetings.  
• Professional development opportunities such as the APA’s annual workshop series, specialized trainings and conferences, and access to scholarships in support of long-term career growth.  
• A variety of fun, family-friendly social events.  
• A range of financial benefits and discounts. 

The APA hosts an annual workshop series (1-4 training opportunities every month) designed to empower members to work more effectively and lead with confidence across campus.

• Self-paced professional development programs available through the MEA’s Online Learning Portal, including subject-specific training and role-based professional learning.
• Conferences focused on issues such as advocacy, leadership skills, and workplace rights.

• Substantial tuition reimbursement for graduate and undergraduate courses, helping offset the cost of earning a degree or building new skills.  
• Paid release time (up to five hours per week) to attend classes or approved professional development opportunities during the workday.  
• Professional development opportunities beyond formal classes.  
• Additional course fee support programs, which can further reduce the cost of taking classes.

Union dues are allocated to activities directly related to member representation, including collective bargaining and contract enforcement, grievance processing, contract administration, employee advocacy, and the legal, administrative, and operational costs associated with labor relations.  

Dues may NOT be used to support political candidates or make campaign contributions. Any political spending occurs through the Michigan Education Association’s voluntary political action committee (PAC), which is funded separately and requires members to opt in independently of regular dues.

Monthly dues deductions are based on an employee’s work percentage, as noted below:  

• 50% or less ($35 monthly) 
• 51-75% ($52.50 monthly) 
• 76-100% ($70 monthly) 

Broadly, collective bargaining is the process by which employees, represented by their union, negotiate with their employer to establish the terms of their employment. Rather than negotiating individually, the union advocates on behalf of the group to reach an agreement that defines wages, benefits, working conditions, and job protections.

Collective bargaining typically results in a contract— often called a collective bargaining agreement (CBA)— that outlines key aspects of employment, such as wages and salary increases, benefits like health insurance and retirement, paid time off, workload expectations, and job responsibilities. It also establishes procedures for discipline, termination, and resolving grievances, along with guidelines for professional development, seniority, and promotions. 

The APA negotiates with the university, often in collaboration with the Coalition of Labor Organizations (CLO), on behalf of our members. Our priorities are informed by a range of factors, including industry benchmarks, cost-of-living trends, and most importantly, member feedback. Dues-paying members are invited to shape outcomes by sharing ideas, providing our bargaining team with input, and voting on draft agreements—giving them real influence over decisions that impact their workplace. They also receive exclusive, behind-the-scenes updates on our progress at the bargaining table. 

Have an idea you’d like discussed at the bargaining table? Let us know! Union membership offers you a strong voice in our negotiations.

The APA supports employees by providing guidance, representation, and advocacy. This includes explaining your rights, attending meetings alongside you as needed, and helping resolve issues informally whenever possible. As circumstances demand, we can also help initiate and guide you through the grievance process to ensure your concerns are addressed fairly and in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement.

Yes! The APA provides support and representation if you are facing discipline or termination. Members have the right to union representation in meetings that could lead to disciplinary action (learn more about your Weingarten Rights here), and the APA can assist with grievances, advocate on your behalf, and help ensure all actions follow our collective bargaining agreement.

The APA is your primary resource for advocacy, clarification, and support in navigating employment-related matters.  

Dues-paying members have access to the APA’s Position Elimination Guide, which was designed to empower members with accurate, accessible information; provide a standardized reference based on the APA collective bargaining agreement; and help members navigate changes in employment with confidence and understanding.

Yes! Please reach out to our Membership Chair, Lisa Goforth (lgoforth@msuapa.org).