Please see this MTA membership flyer explaining the benefits union members receive as compared to what non-union unit members receive.   You can also view a more higher education-specific flyer.

The Massachusetts State College Association (MSCA) represents you in all matters related to the Day and DGCE collective bargaining agreements regardless of whether you join the MSCA or not.

You can fill out the MTA application form in fillable PDF format.  There is a section on the bottom of the form that you can fill out to have your dues deducted directly from your pay by the university and sent to the MSCA.  You can also send a check if you wish, but you should contact the MSCA Treasurer’s Office for the correct amount.

The completed form should be sent to the MSCA Treasurer’s office by emailing it to Treasurer@MSCAunion.org, faxing it to (508) 697-9421, or mailing it to:
MSCA Treasurer
91 Burrill Avenue
Bridgewater, MA  02325

The dues structure is complicated, but you can view the structure here.

Research has shown that people in industries with union representation benefit from higher wages regardless of their membership.  For example, see articles by Lawrence Mishel and Matthew Walters, 2003 and Lawrence Mishel, 2012, and a recent article from the NY Times.

Unions improve and seek to protect working conditions for all.  This is at the same time unions are attacked by politicians openly and university administration surreptitiously.  See remarks by MIT Professor Noam Chomsky – “How America’s Great University System Is Being Destroyed.”

Here is a recent New York Time article about Art workers around the country unionizing.

We hope you choose to join the MSCA (the union), which is affiliated with the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and the National Education Association (NEA).  However, if you do not we will still enforce your contract rights.

MSCA membership includes benefits that are covered by your union dues.  Here are your benefits as a member of the MSCA union:

 Protection

Union Member:  You are protected by a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy that protects against lawsuits connected to your employment, such as from disgruntled students.

(Nonunion individual:  You are personally liable for judgment against you.)

Union Member:  You are eligible to receive free legal advice and free legal representation in such areas as employment discrimination, civil rights violations, privacy issues, workers compensation, unemployment, retirement, and violations of the new earned sick leave law for part-time workers.

(Nonunion individual:  You have to represent yourself or hire and pay for your own attorney.)

Union Member:  You are entitled to assistance in defraying legal costs incurred in defending against charges of crimes alleged to have occurred in the course of your employment.

(Nonunion individual:  You would need to negotiate with your attorney regarding how to pay for their services.)

Leadership and Voice

Union Member:  You are eligible to vote in all MSCA Elections such as those for chapter and statewide union officers.

(Nonunion individual:  You have no say in who the union leaders are.)

Union Member:  You can run for office within the MSCA, MTA and NEA offices; serve on committees within the MSCA, MTA and NEA; and become a delegate to the policy-making bodies within the MSCA, MTA and NEA.

(Nonunion individual:  You have no ability to affect the union’s position on policy matters or internal governance.)

Discounts

Union Member:  You are eligible for thousands of discounts through MTA Benefits.  There are discounts on auto, home and life insurance; mortgage financing; vision care and tax preparation – browse the discounts here.  See their flyer or visit their website.  You also have access to free or reduced admissions to museums, theaters, recreation areas and more.  This includes a monthly payroll deduction option for high-cost items such as electronics and furniture.

(Nonunion individual:  You are not eligible for these benefits through MTA.)

What does it cost to join the union?

The cost, broken down by the three unions (NEA, MTA, and MSCA and university chapter) can be viewed here.