Join AFMSU

To join AFMSU, print off this pdf file,
fill it in, sign the bottom line, and give it to a department union representative

Or mail it to:
AFMSU
P.O. Box 5046
Bozeman, MT 59717

Since we ask for confidential information and signatures, so we cannot accept memberships either on the web or by email. And thanks, we’re glad to have you as a member.

Line by line explanation of the membership form:

Your SSN is needed to authorize AFMSU to withhold dues from your paycheck each month, as is authorized in the union contract approved both by members and the Board of Regents.
If you use your MSU email for everything, please put it down. However, if you have one that’s more for personal use and you check it regularly, we’d prefer that one.
For Work Location, put your department (or college if you have no department).
Leave national and state dues blank.

Please check the box to authorize dues deduction from payroll.
The prior membership line applies if you used to teach in a K-12 system and were represented by MEA-MFT.
Skip the student membership box.
Don’t forget to sign the form..

What about dues?

Membership dues of 0.8% will begin deduction in January 2012 and will appear on your the February 10 paycheck.  Members in January 2012 should have received a dues authorization form from MSU to complete. Please complete the form as directed by Human Resources/Payroll and return it to them.

Dues cover costs related to promoting faculty interests, collective bargaining and enforcing our collective bargaining agreement. They pay for staff with the relevant expertise in negotiating and handling grievances, arbitration, and legal representation, as well as membership mailings, membership meeting space, and for local, state, and national affiliation.

Benefits

In joining AFMSU, you also become a member of NEA and AFT, entitling you to numerous discounts. Some members, taking advantage of these discounts, have found that the benefits can equal the cost of dues.
For info on membership benefits, see
MEA-MFT Benefits
NEA Benefits
AFT Benefits
as well as this 2003 report “Unions Help All Workers” written by the Economic Policy Institute describing the larger benefits of unionization.

Am I Eligible to Join AFMSU?

Most tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure track (adjunct faculty) with half-time or greater appointments are eligible. If you are uncertain whether you are eligible, for example because you have a split appointment, or are a non-tenure track (adjunct) whose appointment varies, please contact us at associatedfacultymsu@gmail.com. According to a ruling by The Board of Personnel Appeals, State of Montana, Unit Determination Proceedings, the following are excluded from joining the union: those appointed as Emeritus Faculty, Research Faculty, Professional Engineers/Engineers In Training, Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Agricultural Experiment Station Faculty, Department Heads/Chairs, or other Administrators.