Frequently Asked Questions

 

What exactly is a labor union? 

A labor union is a group of workers who join together to advocate for improvements at the workplace—higher pay, better benefits, training and promotional opportunities, and protections against sexual harassment— and around other issues that concern them. By acting collectively, workers have a more powerful voice when approaching their employer about the changes they want. Workers most typically form a union with an existing union in their industry or area, so they then can draw upon the union’s expertise and strength in their negotiations with their employer. Under U.S. labor law, “labor organizations” are required to follow rules on governance, financial disclosure, and other aspects of their operations. They are democratic membership organizations whose members elect their leaders and set the direction of the union.

 

What is a collective bargaining agreement and who decides what is in it? 

A collective bargaining agreement is a written contract between an employer and a union that represents a group of employees (bargaining unit) in a workplace. It typically addresses wages, benefits such as health insurance and paid sick days and vacation, health, and safety issues, “just cause” protections from arbitrary discipline and other workplace issues. What is in a particular collective bargaining agreement is up to the workers and the employer—the law establishes a process for collective bargaining but does not require any subjects or terms in a collective agreement. In Michigan the Civil Service Commission has be delegated the authority by the Michigan Constitution to determine what is considered a mandatory subject of bargaining, proper subject of bargaining and a prohibited subject of bargaining.  Collective bargaining agreements generally also include procedures for addressing problems in the workplace through a grievance and arbitration procedure, joint labor-management committees, and other structures, which provide a much quicker and more streamlined method for resolving disputes than relying 

 

How much do I pay monthly to be a member of MSEA? 

Union dues are collected on a biweekly basis and are equal to one (1) hour of the employee’s base hourly wage. 

 

What does MSEA spend my dues money on? 

Most of your dues, stay with your local union in order to fund activities that give workers more power at the bargaining table, in the statehouse and in the community. Some of these activities include: 

  • Staff to help enforce your agreement and increase your standards, to assist in negotiations, grievances, arbitration, and trainings
  • Internal & External Organizing expenses
  • Office equipment and regular administration expenses
  • Attorneys to assist in negotiations, grievances, and arbitration
  • Continued Education: Member Trainings
  • Research to gather information for negotiations, organizing and lobbying efforts.

Members receive information about how dues money is spent by their local at regular region membership meetings, and local unions are also required to file annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. 

 

Can my union dues be spent on political contributions? 

By law, Union dues cannot be used to support political candidates. The law provides public employees with the choice to make voluntary political contributions through political action committees. MSEA has a political action committee and members can choose whether they want to contribute or not. The contribution is in addition to your monthly union dues. 

 

What’s the difference between being a union “member” and just being “represented”?

If you are a member, you have voice and say in the direction of the union. Members have the right to    participate in meetings, elect union representatives, vote on contracts and be involved with other official union business. Represented non-members do not get to participate or have a voice in the direction of the union. This means that non-members can’t attend meetings or participate in any union elections, which includes contract ratification. 

 

What is a prohibited subject of bargaining?

The right to form a Union and negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement is clearly and concisely delineated by federal and state legislation and over sought by the Department of Labor. In Michigan a commission was formed and empowered by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 Article 11 Section 5 which oversee all of the State of Michigan classified service. This commission known as the Civil Service Commission is apprised of four non salary persons appointed by the Governor which serve eight-year terms. The Commission is bestowed with full autonomy and authority to determine what can and cannot be negotiated within a collective bargaining agreement. In 2019 the commission determined by a majority vote they believe Overtime Equalization, Transfer Rights, Assignment, Layoff and Scheduling are a consider inappropriate subjects for bargaining thus bestowing them “Prohibited Subjects of Bargaining.” This ultimately enjoins any union representing State of Michigan employees from negotiating these provisions within their Collective Bargaining Agreements. 

 

What are Weingarten Rights? 

Employees have the right to request a representative be present at any investigatory meeting when the employee reasonably believes that disciplinary action might result from an investigation. Discipline means written reprimands, suspension without pay, reduction in pay, involuntary demotion, or termination.

 

What are the MSEA Advantage Benefits and Who is Eligible?

As a MSEA member you have access to the AFSCME ADVANTAGE which include: 

  • Union families get access to law offices nationwide, free consultations through the Union Plus Legal Services supplied by Metlife. 
  • Dental, vision and hearing savings on prescriptions and access to a medical bill negotiation service.
  • Discounted insurance rates from auto to life. 
  • Get help with everything from finding a mortgage to wireless discounts for your family.
  • We offer several scholarships programs and other benefits to help defray the cost of a college education.
  • From credit cards to credit counseling, AFSCME Advantage offers union members and their families a wide array of discounts on your everyday needs.

Thanks to our members we are also are able to offer you further benefits which include:

MSEA purchases all of its members a 24/7 home and work accident plan with AFLAC. This plan covers you above and beyond your insurance supplied by your Employer. Whenever you are injured at work or home, AFLAC will pay out benefits to assist you while off work or to pay other insurance premiums. This gives our members a peace of mind when facing possible unknown circumstances. All members can add immediate family members to the plan as well as further coverage at our group rate including hospitalization, cancer, pregnancy and more. 

If you are a member of the MSEA Public Safety Division and have the powers and privileges of a peace officer, at no cost to you, MSEA supplies you with access to the largest and most respected legal defense program in the United States. The coverage is for both civil and criminal and they supply you with investigators, expert witnesses polygraphers, court reporters and a panel of attorney's within Michigan. The PORAC Legal Defense consists of over 145,000 members nationwide and is a non profit trust run by a board of current police officers for police officers. They will not cap your benefits regardless of cost. The program is a 24/7 benefit which gives you a real-time response to a critical incident. 

 

 What is the Coalition of State Employee Unions (CSEU0 and What's its purpose?

The joint collaboration, known as the Coalition of State Employee Unions (CSEU), is intended to amplify the voice of union workers, educate elected officials, inform the public and highlight the skills and services state employees provide. The purpose of CSEU shall be to promote and represent the general welfare of union represented State of Michigan employees to develop effective advocacy and assist in securing equitable wages, hours, working conditions and fringe benefits through collective negotiations with the State of Michigan. The members of the MSEA, AFSCME 925 and MCO are dedicated to their jobs, their communities and to Michigan. We’re dedicated to them. CSEU is more than just a Coalition of unions representing some of the hardest working people in Michigan, CSEU is a declaration that all of us will stand together and fight for the right to have dignity on the job, fair compensation, safe workplaces, and strong services to keep our communities running.

 

 If I need assistance from MSEA who should I contact?

MSEA has an internal structure which includes Staff, Executive Council, Executive Board, Region Directors, Department Spokespersons, Job Stewards and Volunteer Member Organizers which are all wiling to assist any member. You can access all their contact information at our website under the appropriate tabs. If you need assistance with new employee orientations, or general membership questions call our office ask to speak with our Organizing Coordinator or Executive Assistant. If you need assistance with composing a grievance, specific contract questions or representational needs ask to speak with one of our Labor Relations Representatives. If you need assistance with Arbitration, Civil Service Hearings, CS-138 contracts or general labor law questions reach out to our Labor Relations Coordinator. If you are just unsure feel free to call and speak with our administrative staff or email Askstaff@msea.org and we would be happy to assist. 

 

What is the MSEA Public Safety Division?

The Public Safety Division at MSEA is a dedicated and diverse group of professionals committed to protecting the citizens of the State of Michigan. Recognizing these professionals inherently unique job-related challenges, the Public Safety Division was formed to provide a permanent platform for Public Safety Professionals within MSEA to advocate, organize and develop positive workplace changes that address challenges unlike those faced by other employees. Furthermore, the Public Safety Division's goal is to ensure that public safety related matters are presented and advocated by the MSEA as a whole. The Public Safety Division is directed by an elected board consisting of five members in good standing including a Chair, Vice Chair and multiple liaisons who works side by side with the executive and elected officials of MSEA.