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Some good news for APA members who may be considering retirement -  Following the signing of an agreement between the MSCA and the BHE and CoP for a Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program, a similar proposal, specific to the needs of APA members, has been negotiated.  Each campus may elect to offer an incentive to its employees, but this does not constitute a statewide mandate for every institution to participate.

The Memorandum of Agreement for the APA, like the faculty Agreement, provides a $25,000.00 retirement or separation incentive for members with 20 years or more of service. (Employees who work a shorter year - 9 months or more - may be offered a prorated incentive.)

To take advantage of this incentive, APA members who meet the criteria set forth in the MOA, must announce their intention to retire or resign by April 1, 2021.  The date of departure from employment will be no later than June 30, 2021.  Additionally, the requirement of 90-days' notice of leave will be waived and is not necessary for the full 20% buyback of unused sick leave.

Please see the full Memorandum of Agreement for details of this arrangement, including the ability to be employed by state agencies on a limited basis.  

In other news, as we approach the Spring, it is time to begin the process of bargaining a new 3-year APA Agreement.  Contractually, we are obligated to inform BHE representatives of our intent to bargain prior to the end of March.  As a reminder, we are currently on the same bargaining schedule as the MSCA.  They will announce their intent to commence their contract negotiations on March 31.  We remain hopeful that our combined bargaining power will help us realize more favorable contract terms as we proceed in these challenging times.  We will certainly keep you posted.

Hopefully, your Spring Semester has gotten off to a good, healthy and inspiring start.  

Stay safe!

Sherry Horeanopoulos
APA President