Yes, especially what has happened with some units on campus...the union will come in to resolve issues which include improper terminations, managers violating the AUP, etc. Please don't think that without a union that we would have the same benefits we now enjoy or job security or pay grades. And get involved; this is the best way to keep informed. Linda From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Vasquez, Timo Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:06 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MSUNAG] APA raise Representation via voting, attending meetings, reading minutes, and gathering for informational would be ideal to keep all of the APA members abreast of changes and upcoming requests. It is hard to just accept whatever changes occur when they occur and more dues to cover more.... What... expenses? Somebody in the upper echelon of our union knows exactly what the raise breaks down into down to the penny; I was told when hired that filling out the union card meant I am an active due paying member that can vote, if I didn't fill out the card - dues were still coming out because the APA is where my job belongs. I shouldn't have to feel forced to be grateful we have union representation, and I shouldn't have to be reminded all the MEA does for me as a member. Does anyone else feel that this is the message around here. "just be glad you even have a union looking out for your well being..." Timoteo "Timo" Vasquez - AIS Departmental Systems and Services [log in to unmask] - 353.4420 Ext.249 Michigan State University 2 Administration Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1046 From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Troy D Murray Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 4:58 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MSUNAG] APA raise George, Your probably right, I just don't care for it when I don't have the option to decide if I want those things. Perhaps if the option was available, those things we don't normally see would be clearly seen. -t On Oct 5, 2008, at 1:24 PM, George Haddad wrote: I would bet that there IS a lot that the MEA does for us that we do not normally see. And in unions, having an affiliation with a LARGE one is USUALLY to one's advantage. Bosman, Don wrote: We currently pay $54.00 per month. "Commencing with the October 31 paycheck, dues will need to be accessed at a flat rate fee of $60.00 per month for each FTE"... page 1 There is a lot of MEA provides this and that and several other things in the newsletter which conveniently overlooks the fact that MEA actually gives us nothing. APA members will now be paying the MEA over a million dollars a year. Don -----Original Message----- From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David McFarlane Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 5:09 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MSUNAG] APA raise Matt, I know that this is a IT list but most of you are APA members and I just got my special edition of the APA newsletter and could not believe what I was reading. They want to increase our dues $72 per year. Sorry, I don't know where I put my APA newsletter, so I can't look this up myself: So, we will have to pay $6/month more than we do now? What are the current monthly dues, and what will the monthly dues be after the increase? Thanks, -- dkm -- Troy Murray Systems/Database Administrator Michigan State University Biomedical Research Informatics Core (BRIC) 100 Conrad Hall East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: 517-432-4248 Fax: 517-353-9420 E-mail: [log in to unmask] AOL IM: troymurray72 MSN IM: [log in to unmask] Yahoo! IM: [log in to unmask] GTalk\Jabber: [log in to unmask]