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Dear APA Members:

Just a quick update on things that are happening in this fall semester.  Hope the beginning of school went smoothly for all!

PFML:

• The Paid Family Medical Leave act went into effect and, in order to build the fund, deductions from employees of the State began on the October 4th payroll
• Since the October 4 pay period included some September workdays, the state unions are seeking a refund from the state for any charged time prior to October 1, 2019
• Terms for notifying employees about the pending tax were agreed upon in late August
• No other agreement (Percentages of contribution – employer/employee) has been reached – negotiations continue
• Employees will be able to access the fund in 2021 – maximum benefit is $850.00/week

Freedom to Join Legislation:

• To counteract the effects of the Janus vs. AFSCME decision, Unions sponsored a bill that passed the legislature and governor’s office in September
• Benefits to the Unions included:
  • Better access to recruit new employees as members
  • Right to meet on-premises during the workday to discuss grievances, internal union matters and union business
  • Use of University email system to conduct business of the union, including elections
  • Use of government buildings and facilities for bargaining meetings
  • Rights to very specific contact information
  • Ability to charge non-paying members for legal services

APA Member Pre-Bargaining Survey:

• The survey is available at this time.
• Bargaining for the successor Agreement (2020-2023) will begin in earnest in Feb-March 2020
• As in previous years, we will survey our membership to gain insight into what members see as important Bargaining topics
• Please offer feedback and information.  

Check out MTA Higher Ed

As we get feedback from the membership about topics of interest, we will certainly share information with the group on the website. 

Have a great fall semester…

Sincerely,

Sherry Horeanopoulos
Statewide APA President
Fitchburg State Local Chapter President