Building MSU’s first tenure-system faculty union is a once-in-a-generation project. Here are answers to the questions faculty ask most often.
Who is UTSF?
UTSF is us: the tenure-system faculty and continuous-system librarians it represents. The union was designed around our distinct needs and is governed by its members. Everyone in the bargaining unit will receive the protections of the first collective bargaining agreement, whether or not they join.
What is a "bargaining unit member" and how does it differ from a "UTSF member"?
A "bargaining unit member" is basically any tenure-system faculty member or continuous-system librarian at MSU that is not in an administrative position. All such faculty and librarians are covered by and receive the protections and benefits of the UTSF-MSU contract, regardless of whether someone is a UTSF member or not.
A "UTSF member" is a bargaining unit member who has additionally completed a UTSF membership application. Only UTSF members can vote to ratify or reject the contract, vote for and run for elected positions, help set bargaining priorities, and access individual representation and NEA/MEA affiliate benefits.
Bargaining unit members who are not UTSF members do not pay dues, but they also cannot vote, hold union office, or receive the full rights and benefits of membership.
What are the bargaining priorities?
UTSF members decide the priorities. Academic freedom, budget cuts, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and governance are widely shared concerns, but official priorities are established collectively. Existing policies may be secured in the contract, while other areas may require substantial change. Members contribute through meetings, surveys, representatives, committees, and votes.
How is the bargaining team selected?
UTSF’s elected leadership is responsible for empaneling the bargaining team under the constitution and bylaws, using election, appointment, or a combination of methods. The team is accountable to members and negotiates priorities established through the union’s democratic process.
When will the first contract be in place?
A first agreement affects every bargaining unit member, so the process takes care. After a demand to bargain, UTSF and MSU schedule sessions and negotiate proposals. First contracts at other universities have sometimes taken a year or longer. Once negotiators reach a tentative agreement, UTSF members have the opportunity to review and vote on it before ratification. We anticipate having a tentative contract ready in the second half of 2027.
Who leads the union?
Members have elected an Executive Council, At-Large Members of the Executive Board, and Association Representatives. Their names, roles, and campus areas are listed on the Leadership page.
Why join now?
Members shape the union that will represent faculty for years to come. They elect leaders, set priorities, empanel the team that negotiates the first contract, and decide the local dues structure and budget. Joining now means participating in those foundational choices.
Do I have to opt out?
No. All eligible tenure-system faculty and continuous-system librarians are automatically part of the bargaining unit and, by law, cannot opt out of being a bargaining unit member. Faculty become UTSF members only by affirmatively completing a membership application.
How much are dues?
Union dues fall into three buckets: dues paid to (1) NEA, (2) MEA, and (3) UTSF. Dues are democratically set by union members, and this determination will take place when we are close to ratifying our first contract. However, we estimate union dues to be around $100 per month—roughly $20 per month to NEA, $70 per month to MEA, and $10 per month to UTSF.
Members pay no dues until the first full collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
What are MEA and NEA?
The Michigan Education Association and National Education Association are UTSF’s state and national affiliates. UTSF members automatically receive the associated legal, professional, insurance, discount, and governance benefits and elect delegates who participate at both levels.