Frequently asked questions

UTSF is us: the tenure-system faculty and 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.

Members decide them. 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.

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.

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.

During the transition after recognition, a democratic Organizing Committee and volunteer elections, membership-action, and communications committees carried out essential work. Members have since elected an Executive Council and association representatives. Their names, roles, and campus areas are listed on the Leadership page.

An eligible faculty member becomes a UTSF member by completing a membership application. Members may vote, run for office, serve on committees and in leadership, attend membership meetings, guide bargaining, and access individual representation and affiliate benefits.

Eligible faculty who do not join are still bargaining-unit members and will be covered by the negotiated contract. They do not pay dues, but they cannot vote, hold union office, or receive the full rights and benefits of membership.

Membership is the source of bargaining power. High participation strengthens the union’s position at the table and gives each member a direct role in electing leaders, setting priorities, and guiding negotiations.

Members also receive individual protections, including full representation in adverse employment actions and coverage through NEA’s Educators Employment Liability Program.

Founding members shape the institution 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.

No. Faculty become UTSF members only by affirmatively completing a membership application. Once a collective bargaining agreement is in place, it covers every eligible tenure-system faculty member and librarian regardless of membership.

UTSF members pay no dues until members ratify the first contract. Members and elected leaders decide the local dues structure and budget. State and national dues are decided by member delegates to the MEA and NEA governing bodies, where UTSF also has member representatives.

Most dues support professional union staffing. The rest funds legal services, member information systems, member and public communications, advocacy for public education, and the operating costs of democratic union governance. UTSF members control decisions about the local budget and expenses.

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.