MSP (Massachusetts Society of Professors) is a local union affiliated with the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) on the state level and with the National Education Association (NEA) 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 salaries and a fairer salary system than without union collective bargaining; it protects us from arbitrary administrative decisions; it guards our academic freedom and professional integrity; 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.

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 two full time staff members -- Lori Reardon and Ferd Wulkan. MTA also provides us an experienced and skilled consultant, Mickey 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. 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.

All members have direct access to their Union by simply calling (545-2206) or e-mailing (msp@external.umass.edu) the office. You should also have a department representative and you can check HERE to find out who that person is. Each year, departments are asked to elect or designate a union representative. 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. 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.

Everyone in the bargaining unit (all faculty and librarians) 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 else to pay an agency service fee (slightly less than union dues) for the union's services. Full members of the union automatically receive a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy from MTA 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, home heating oil, and travel and entertainment services. The home-heating oil and auto insurance discounts alone can provide over $600 in savings in a single year.

Membership dues are generally paid through ten automatic monthly payroll deductions. 2007-2008 dues are $756 per year for those working over 50% time, $383 per year for those working 50% time, and $173.50 per year for those working 25% or less; the agency fee is estimated to be $525, $265 and $119 respectively. More than 80% of the unit have elected to become full members rather than fee payers.