Union Resources

Weingarten Rights

If management calls you into a meeting where discipline or termination could be on the table, you have the legal right to demand Union representation.

Clearly state your need for a representative and contact us immediately at office@untf.org.

Knowing and using your Weingarten Rights ensures fairness and empowers you in the workplace.

Designation B

Designation B is the policy, won by UNTF in our second contract, that gives teaching-focused faculty the right to increased job security.

Faculty who have had UNTF teaching appointments at MSU for a minimum of eight semesters may apply for a five-year rolling appointment under Designation B as well as a $2,000 raise to their base salary (as of June 2022).

Grievance Procedure

Every member deserves a fair and safe workplace. If your rights under our contracts have been violated or you are facing unfair treatment, filing a grievance is the formal path to resolution.

Contact us immediately to discuss the situation by emailing office@untf.org.

A representative of UNTF will work with you to determine if there was a violation of a contract article or workplace policy.

Office of Institutional Equity Investigations

Working with the Office of Institutional Equity can be a confusing and stressful process. Our team put together this document to help our members navigate these circumstances.

Retaliation for Union Activity is Illegal

The Michigan Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) is the primary law governing labor relations for public employees in the State of Michigan. As a land-grant institution, Michigan State University falls under this jurisdiction. Under Michigan law and federal protections, it is illegal for MSU to retaliate against us for engaging in Union activities.

What does retaliation look like? It can include (but is not limited to):

  • Sudden, negative performance reviews after you become active in the Union.

  • Unwelcome changes in job duties or location.

  • Exclusion from staff meetings or professional opportunities.

  • Subtle "cold shoulder" treatment from supervisors intended to intimidate you.

If you suspect you have experienced retaliation for Union activities or another breach of your rights, please reach out immediately at office@untf.org.