How to join the Negotiations Committee:
Officially, as of July 2025, the Negotiations Committee is inactive. The Negotiations Committee expects to resume around the expiration of the current USA contract in 2027.
“I want to be on the Bargaining Team/Negotiations Committee. What can I do to prepare for such a role?”
A Negotiations Committee member is generally someone with a vested interest in supporting the mission of the Association. Regardless of your level of experience with unions and contract negotiations, an ideal member of the Negotiations Committee is driven by the desire to improve the learning conditions for our students, and the wages and working conditions for themselves and their coworkers across the University.
Whether this is your first time in bargaining, or you’ve bargained for a contract in the past, the MTA offers a program where you can learn some of the current best practices in bargaining. The MTA Bargaining Certificate Program is a 24-hour curriculum designed provide an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of beginner negotiators, while deepening and broadening the proficiency of seasoned negotiators in advanced bargaining issues. By teaching participants about the fundamentals of grassroots organizing, and shifting traditional bargaining strategies to create membership-driven campaigns, the program seeks to modernize collective bargaining practices by sharing current best-practices of locals who won major victories in bargaining. And best of all, your participation in these events is completely covered by your annual dues!
Be sure to check out the MTA website to find out more and enroll in the Bargaining Certificate program!
Side-table negotiations and impact bargaining typically require subcommittees comprised of volunteers to negotiate their contents. Under the USA Constitution, these members are appointed by the USA President, and these sessions can be a great way to learn how negotiations work. Keep an eye on your inbox for opportunities to volunteer!
