FSU Nuts & Bolts: Salary Increases
11/21/2022
Dear Member,
Did you know that the FSU is preparing to enter collective bargaining Spring 2023 (see here for more)?
Salary Increase – how do we get to the raise percentage?
One of the most important aspects of collective bargaining is the amount that librarians and faculty receive in salary increases.
Under state law, the salary increase that we receive in our collective bargaining agreement is directly set by the governor.
For those of you interested in checking out why this is the case, M.G.L. Chapter 150E, Section 7(c) requires public colleges and universities to submit collective bargaining agreements to the governor for approval along with an estimate of the costs required to fund the agreement. Then, after the legislature funds the collective bargaining agreement, the governor has the authority to veto the funding for the agreement. The amount of money that the governor sets as the raises is generally referred to as the “parameters.”
Help us push for higher parameters.
Though the parameters are set outside of the bargaining table, state unions and union members play an essential role in ensuring the best parameters possible. We do this by using our collective power to put pressure on the executive branch and by our efforts in pushing for legislation such as the Fair Share Amendment that will increase funding for public higher education.
With all this in mind, FSU is joining with our sibling unions across the state in urging Governor Elect Maura Healey to set the parameters high during this round of collective bargaining.
We believe this is our time to push for raises that keep pace with inflation. We need your help.
We are asking each of you to sign this petition: https://forms.office.com/r/xEYSgFe9h6. In early January, the MTA will be presenting Governor Healey with the petition signed by thousands of higher education employees. We need and want the petition to contain as many UMB faculty and staff as possible.
After signing, please ask your colleagues to join in demanding better raises by sending them the link to sign the petition.
The more signers, the more power.
MTA Higher Education Agenda Announcement Thursday, Dec 1st State House
Mark your calendar. Please join the MTA in announcing the higher education legislative agenda on Thursday, December 1st at the State House. The program begins at 11AM with refreshments at 10:30AM. Attached is a flyer with more information and the registration link. We look forward to seeing you there.
The FSU wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with family and friends and just maybe a little grading.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department
For information on the FSU, links to our contract and bargaining updates, and a calendar of events, see the FSU webpage