The University Staff Association (USA) is a union of over 800 members, made up of clerical, technical, and administrative staff. Among the resources the union provides, you will find solidarity in a community with a shared belief: UMass works because we do.
Joining a union is more than just paying dues. It is being part of a community of people looking out for one another. It may sound corny but, in these uncertain times, being a part of this union means knowing that you are not alone in your struggle. We are all on the same side and that gives us power.
If you feel your voice goes unheard on this campus, try raising it along with hundreds of others. You know what needs to change in your workplace. You need to stand up and demand that change.
To affect change:
- You must understand your contract
- You should know how to contact union leadership when your rights are being violated
- You get involved and build community among staff on this campus
- You are empowered to bargain to make this campus a better place to work, for everyone!
Become a Dues Payer
All classified staff at UMass Amherst are members of USA, but you can begin paying dues by filling out the 2025-2026 Membership Application and emailing it to Membership Coordinator Antonia Lynch.
For FY2026, Full-time employees pay $24.19 per pay period and Part-time employees (under 50%) pay $12.09 per pay period.
If you are not sure if you are a dues-paying member, look for the Amh MTA Dues entry under After-Tax Deductions on your latest paystub, or email the USA office and we will let you know.
If you’re already a dues-paying member, get more involved in building a stronger USA for a stronger UMass!
What Do Our Dues Do?
USA members are also members of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and the National Education Association (NEA). Our union dues are split between these three associations:
- Just over 50% of an individual’s dues go to the MTA, and they provide USA with extensive resources including legal assistance, organizing, training, and grants for member programs and much more. MTA also provide individual members with discounts and deals, insurance, legal services, and advocacy at the state level.
To see a detailed breakdown of how our dues are allocated in MTA, view the MTA Dues Allocation Chart*. All USA staff fall under the center column: Secretaries, Clerical, Custodians & Higher Ed ESPs.
*This page requires an MTA login. If you have never logged into the MTA site before, follow the instructions at the bottom of that page. - A portion goes to the NEA, where we have a voice in national initiatives and send delegates to meetings.
- A portion stays with the local (USA) to help cover programming, office support, and union initiatives.
