Join today
Union membership is no longer automatic – you must submit a membership application to become a union member.
Every worker benefits from the union – but only union members build our power, sustain our existence, and have their voices represented. PSU is entirely funded by union member dues; we depend on every member to protect and extend our rights (see dues rates below). Do your part and join the more than 80% of your co-workers who belong to PSU: become a member today.
To submit your membership application: follow these instructions, or simply email your completed application to the PSU organizer:
- For UMass Amherst: PSU Inbox: prostaff@umass.edu
- For UMass Boston: PSU Inbox: prostaff.union@umb.edu
Recent Wins and Goals
- Contracts that are better than what non-unionized workers receive, and which include:
- Higher pay and better benefits.
- Right to union representation during disciplinary disputes.
- Job protections.
- Paid parental and other leaves.
- Flexible and remote work rights.
- Job security.
- Membership in the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the largest educator union in the state with over 117,000 members
- and more!
- Trained union representatives who represent you and help enforce your rights.
- Regular union communications through social media, email updates, and union newsletters.
- Access to MTA field representatives, organizers, and legal services.
- Access to the labor community throughout UMass, the Western Mass, and the state.
- Won an 8% cost of living adjustment for 2023; 12.5% for 2024–2027.
- Won a $200k equity pool for specific, poorly paid Amherst job titles for 2024–2027.
- Won a $60k salary floor and longevity bonuses for Boston members, precedent for Amherst.
- Won a contract that enshrines Flexible Work Agreements between members and their supervisor.
- Won over $500k in salary increases for Amherst members through Process the Backlog campaign.
- Won unprecedented job and salary guarantees for 100+ members facing layoffs due to privatization.
- Won a transparent bargaining process that is open for any member to attend
- Won a commitment to expand child care capacity on campus via new childcare facility
- Organized to pass the Fair Share Amendment, funneling $3 billion from the superwealthy to public education and transportation
- Won a labor management committee established to investigate bias in discipline on campus
- Fought off atrocious takebacks, ensuring:
- No cuts to cost of living adjustments
- Right to argue cases of discrimination
- Right to “just cause” job security protections
- Fair Pay, Full Staffing, Safe Workspaces and True Work/Life Balance
- Salaries that automatically increase through annual raises.
- A salary floor that meets the actual cost of living.
- Protections against privatization efforts.
- Protections from federal attacks and discrimination for minoritized workers.
- Enforceable workload protections, such as payout of comp time, annual workload evaluations, and minimum staffing requirements.
- Continue building a stronger and more democratic union, so we can win these rights and more.
- More transparent, timely, and democratic bargaining.
Download a PDF copy of our Recent Wins and Goals.
Dues Rates
Units A & C Rates
- Full Time Member = $1,118.38 yearly or $43.01per paycheck.
- Three-Quarters Time = $897.29 or $34.51per paycheck. (32 hours or less.)
- Half-Time Member = $564.19.34 or $21.70 per paycheck. (20 hours or less.)
Unit B Rates
- Full time = $789.63 yearly, $30.37 per paycheck
- Three-Quarters Time = $627.79 or $24.15 per paycheck. (32 hours or less.)
- Half-Time Member = $372.36 or $14.32 per paycheck. (20 hours or less.)
* Unit A is made up of professional staff at Amherst and Boston. Unit B represents Amherst classified supervisors and has a separate contract. Unit C is made up of the Athletic Coaches at Boston.
Learn More
To learn more about union membership, sign up for a virtual PSU orientation (UMass Amherst only)!
Or talk to your Amherst PSU Delegate from your work area or a Boston Chapter Board member.
Important Forms & Documents
- PSU Membership Application
- Instructions for membership application
- PSU Membership Guidebook: Summary of your rights and benefits as a Professional Staff employee
Where do your dues go?
The PSU’s budgets are available on our website. View our recent budgets and associated documents.
