Collective Bargaining and You
(from Welcome to the MEA, an information packet for new members)
Since 1965, Michigan public employees have enjoyed the right to bargain collectively. This means that, rather than accepting whatever the employer is willing to offer you as an individual, the terms and conditions of your employment are controlled by a contract negotiated between the employer and your union. Furthermore, as a union member you have the right to offer input into what that agreement contains. And, finally, the contact must be returned to you for your ratification vote before it becomes a binding agreement.
Your contract is a living document, subject to change according to your changing needs.
The salary and benefits you receive when you become an employee are not gifts from your employer. They are the result of many years of hard work on the part of your association members, leaders, and staff. Traditional benefits you probably enjoy in your contract include:
Collective bargaining works best when the members are informed, knowledgeable and involved. If you feel an area of your contract is deficient, or a new subject needs to be negotiated, you should advocate for those changes within your association. This means talking to your colleagues, completing surveys, attending membership meetings, and perhaps serving on your bargaining team.
A collective bargaining agreement is not an abstract document. It is the basis for all of your rights as an employee. It is legally binding on you as an employee, on your association and your employer. It is important that you understand it and think about how you would like to see it change in the future.
Since 1965, when the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) was passed, the Michigan Education Association has assisted local associations in bargaining. The MEA provides a vast number of services to local associations and individual members to assist in collective bargaining. These include numerous training opportunities, information exchange and consultant services. Most important, MEA offers direct, at-the-table bargaining assistance and consultation through your local Uniserv director. Uniserv directors are the local "front line" of the MEA. They are experienced, knowledgeable and well-trained labor relations professionals who can help you in your contract bargaining.
A local contract is only as strong as the association it represents. You can make both your contract and your association stronger by becoming involved.
