Membership gives you full rights in UTSF: a vote, a voice in bargaining, eligibility for leadership, and access to union and affiliate benefits.
Does signing an authorization card make me a member?
No. Membership is separate from the authorization-card process that established support for union recognition. Eligible faculty become UTSF members by completing the membership application.
What is the relationship with MEA and NEA?
UTSF is an inclusive, democratic local union affiliated with the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association. Joining UTSF automatically includes the rights and benefits of MEA and NEA membership.
What rights and benefits come with membership?
Members participate directly in union democracy by electing leaders, setting priorities, serving on committees, guiding collective bargaining, and voting on tentative agreements.
Membership also provides individual representation and access to affiliate programs, including NEA’s Educators Employment Liability Program, which offers liability protection for employment-related claims.
How much are dues, and how are they used?
Projected dues are about $100 per month from September through June, or approximately $1,000 per year. The final local structure and budget are controlled democratically by UTSF members.
Most dues support professional union staffing. The remainder supports legal services, member information systems, member and public communications, advocacy for public education, and the operational and administrative costs of an effective union.
When do dues begin?
Members begin paying dues only after the first full collective bargaining agreement is ratified. Until then, UTSF members pay no dues.
Are dues used for political candidates?
No. Union dues are never used to support candidates for political office. Members may be offered a separate, voluntary option to contribute to political-action work.
What is the AIM retired option?
All Inclusive Membership in MEA/NEA-Retired costs $25 annually for 25 years. It continues MEA and NEA rights and benefits in retirement, including participation in state and national governance, member discounts, insurance offers, financial-planning services, and other programs.
Was UTSF recognized through voluntary card check?
Yes. Under the voluntary card-check agreement, MSU recognized UTSF on September 8, 2025, after an overwhelming majority of tenure-system faculty and librarians demonstrated support. UTSF is now their exclusive collective-bargaining representative.