What is MSP?

MSP (Massachusetts Society of Professors) is a local union affiliated with the Massachusetts Teachers Association on the state level and with the National Education Association on the national level -- the result of an overwhelming majority vote at the Amherst and Boston campuses of UMass in 1976. The union provides security and stability for faculty and librarians, and assures them a voice in the operation of the University. It helps us obtain higher and fairer salaries; it protects us from arbitrary and unjust administrative decisions; it guards our academic freedom and professional integrity; it advocates for well-funded and affordable public higher education; and it aids us in maintaining a stable workload, one that allows us to do our jobs most effectively. The overall result is a better educational institution, a better place for students, a better place for us to work.

Who runs the organization?

MSP is a volunteer organization with a representative and democratic form of government.  Our dues pay for the operation of an office in 121 Hampshire House with three staff members -- Lori Reardon, Ferd Wulkan and Alisa Brewer.  MTA also provides us an experienced and skilled consultant, Michelle Gallagher, whom we share with the Boston campus. At a General Assembly each spring, elections are held for Officers, who hold two-year terms, and Executive Board members from each school, who hold three-year terms. The Board generally meets every two weeks (meetings are open to all union members) to discuss decisions that affect the University and to respond to pressing issues facing our members (Minutes). We also meet on a regular basis with the campus administration and represent faculty and librarians at various political and education-related functions throughout the state. Every faculty member and librarian is encouraged to be an active participant in their union.

How do I contact my union?

All Members have direct access to their Union by simply calling (413) 545-2206 or e-mailing the office. You should also have a Department Representative.  Each year, departments are asked to elect or designate a union representative. Department Reps attend occasional meetings and are an excellent source of information.  If your department does not currently have a rep, please consider volunteering to serve in this important capacity. You can also keep up to date via MSP News where recent issues of the MSP Chronicles and announcements of current interest are posted.  Issues of concern can be put on the agenda of any regular meeting, and the staff can offer you useful, confidential advice and information on nearly every aspect of University employment.

The Contract

The contract between MSP and the University administration addresses major issues of compensation and working conditions and is generally renegotiated every three years.

MSP's 2007-2008 contract was funded in December 2007 and negotiations for a successor agreement (2008-2011) are underway. We regularly send out email updates about the progress so please make sure we have added your email address to our list so you receive these important communications.

MSP Membership

Everyone in the bargaining unit (all faculty and librarians, including anyone teaching at least one course in an academic year) is covered by the contract negotiated between the MSP and the University, and is required to either become a full member of the union or to pay an agency service fee (slightly less than union dues) for the union’s services.

Full members of the union automatically receive a a $1,000,000 Educators Employment Liability insurance policy from NEA should you be sued by anyone in connection with your work, access to three free half-hour legal consultations on non-tax-related matters, and further discounts through MTA’s legal referral service.

Only members have the right to vote in MSP internal elections, the right to participate in MSP General Assemblies, and a voice in important decisions. Only members may serve as departmental representatives, board members, officers, or expenses-paid delegates to the annual MTA and NEA conventions. Finally, members receive substantial savings through discount group purchasing of auto insurance, life insurance, homeowner’s and renter’s insurance, mortgage re-financing, vision care, tax preparation, and travel and entertainment services.

Membership dues are generally paid through ten automatic monthly payroll deductions. The 2008-2009 dues are $790 per year for those working over 50% time (prorated for those working less time); the agency service fee is estimated at $559. Close to 90% of unit members have elected to become full members rather than fee payers.

Welcome to a great University and to a great Union!