Here are some of the more common questions we get about UEA and membership. If you have other questions, please contact us directly.
Q: What services does UEA provide to faculty?
A: UEA’s primary task is to negotiate the contract (the collective-bargaining agreement). We also implement and enforce the contract.
Q: What has UEA done for the faculty lately?
A: Our most recent contract negotiation cycle netted benefits for all faculty members. All faculty gained a 2.5% increase in the aggregate salary base for the 2012-2013 and 2013-14 academic years; higher salary maxima for teaching summer session ($2750 to $3000/credit max.); and market based & compression salary adjustments (a total of $406, 750 disbursed).
Term faculty saw their salary floor increase from $32,000/yr. to $39,000/yr.
Tenure/T Track Faculty gained salary increases for promotion (Assoc & Full, respectively) of $2850 and $3600 for AY 2012-13 and $3080 and $3890 for AY 2013-14; and increased opportunities to “stop the clock” on the tenure process (2-3).
Women gained improved terms for childbirth leave (604.200: full semester with no teaching load increase).
Department heads gained greater minimum reduction in teaching while serving as department head and more department head compensation.
Q: How much does it cost to become a full member?
A: Fair share fee payers that are teaching full-time currently pay an annual total of $600.40; while full membership costs $825.56 — a difference of only $225.16.
Q: Why not remain a fair share member?
A: While fair share fee payers benefit from the negotiated contract and receive grievance representation on contract issues, full members gain an entire spectrum of additional benefits.
Full members have the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process of their local union. This includes the right to vote on proposed contract, the right to elect representatives to office, the right to hold office, and the right to participate on UEA committees and councils. Full members also have the opportunity to participate in the democratic processes of our state and national affiliates (Education Minnesota, National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers, respectively).
Full members also benefit from legal representation on job-related civil and criminal matters, as well as member advocacy and representation on a wide range of issues (benefits, personnel issues, conflict resolution, etc.).
Q: Does UEA have a political bias?
A: While our state and national affiliates (Education Minnesota, National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers, respectively) do endorse candidates of both parties, the University Education Association (our local here at UMD) is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates for office.
Q: How can I get involved in UEA?
A: UEA is a democratic organization that is run by members, for members. The simplest way to get involved is to attend the general membership meetings that are held once or twice per semester, and to vote on proposed contracts and officers. Those who are interested in a higher level of involvement are encouraged to look into becoming their departmental representative to the Rep. Council. If you are willing to go the extra mile to serve your fellow union members, you’re encouraged to either run for office or to accept an appointment to one of the various positions on the executive committee. There is always a lot of important work to do.
Q: What is the relationship between representation through UEA and representation through governance?
A: While UEA and governance represent the same group of faculty members (those with appointments of greater than 35%), they focus on entirely different sets of issues, and have different kinds of authority.
UEA’s work focuses on the terms and conditions of employment as covered by the collective bargaining agreement. Governance deals with issues not covered in the contract, such as curriculum, educational policy, etc..
Most importantly, while governance structures are purely advisory to administration; issues covered by the collective bargaining agreement have the force of law. In other words representation through UEA may be said to have more “teeth,” when it comes to working on behalf of faculty interests.
Q: Why is UEA affiliated with state (Education Minnesota) and national affiliates? (AFT & NEA?)
A: In a world in which strength comes through numbers, our state and national affiliations connect us with educators across the state, and across the nation. These organizations provide a variety of services, and opportunities to advance the interests of our members.
Q: How much of my dues payment goes toward lobbying and PAC support?
A: Only $25 of your dues goes to lobbying and PAC support.