University Staff Association

University Staff Association

University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Constitution

While a union contract outlines the relationship between the union and employer, a union’s constitution outlines how members interact with their union. Among other things, our constitution defines membership eligibility, dues, and elections. It also includes the descriptions and duties of the Executive Committee, General Board, Stewards, and Committees. 

Download the University Staff Association Constitution (PDF)
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Constitutional Change Log

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Bold indicates added language.

March 2026

In the March 2026 elections, the University Staff Association voted to approve its first Constitutional change in 5 years:

Article VI Section J – The Chief Steward

  • 5. Monitor new hires and p Prepare RFIs or grievances as appropriate for bypassing unit Members. 

Article VII – Stewards, Stewards Council Chair, Chief Steward

  • Section A – The Chief Steward shall:
    6. Be responsible for designating district assignments to stewards or changing assignments within reason. 
  • Section B – Steward’s Council Chair and/or Co-Chair
    3. Report monthly to the Executive Committee Board.
  • Section C – Stewards
    1. Members in good standing shall be elected as stewards by the members of the district in which they are candidates in regular biennial elections to a two-year term in even-numbered years and shall take office, upon certification of the election results by the Elections Board, at the first regularly scheduled General Board meeting in April. 
    2. A candidate need not be in the district for which they are running. 
    2.  Vacancies may be filled by appointment at the recommendation of the Chief Steward and simple majority vote by the Executive Board.
  • Section D – Stewards Duties
    b. Three unexcused absences by a steward from Stewards Council meetings shall be grounds for a recommendation of dismissal to be made by the Steward’s Council Chair to the Executive Committee Board. 
    e. Act as liaison between the membership and the elected leadership via the Stewards Council and/or the Executive Committee Board. 
    f. Have the option of designating district contacts with the approval of the Stewards Council and notification to the Executive Committee Board. District contacts may aid and assist the Steward except with the grievance procedure.
  • Section E – The Steward’s Council
    4. The formation of policy recommendations by stewards for consideration by the Executive Committee Board.