Ensures you're a "just cause" employee, not "at will," regardless of membership.
Negotiates benefits like salaries, holidays, vacation, insurance, severance, pension, and medical plans.
Bargains over Corporation actions affecting you, such as the “future-of-work,” performance evaluations, telecommuting, remote work, and travel.
Only APSA members vote on the contract.

APSA helps you:

Offers workplace issue advice.
Assists with grievances, including harassment.
Evaluates for discrimination based on age, race, gender, etc.
Provides regular updates via bulletins and the ApsaTalk.org website.
Offers a free hour of consultation with a clearance attorney if needed.
Only members receive the annual salary analysis.

Why become a dues-paying member of APSA if non-member MTS are also represented?

All non-supervisory MTS are part of the bargaining unit, represented equally by APSA. However, dues-paying members enjoy so much more!

Voting Rights: Only members can vote on contracts and decisions affecting your work.
Stronger Influence: Paying members shape negotiations and policies.
Exclusive Resources: Access to newsletters, salary analyses, and updates.
Boosted Union Power: More members leads to bargaining power for stronger contracts.
Legal Support: Dues fund legal representation and grievance processes.
Investing in Your Future: Paying dues ensures a stronger, more effective union for all.

Non-members benefit, but paying members keep the union strong.

Does APSA benefit The Aerospace Corporation?

Yes! While APSA mainly advocates for employees, we offer key benefits to the Corporation:

Attracting Top Talent: APSA helps make Aerospace more competitive in the job market.
Better Relations: Unions structure ways to address worker concerns, fostering harmony.
Increased Productivity: Clear agreements boost morale and productivity.
Lower Turnover: Unions improve job satisfaction, reducing turnover and thus costs.
Efficient Dispute Resolution: Formal processes cut down on strikes and legal issues.
Predictability: Union contracts provide clear terms, helping long-term planning.
Improved Safety: Unions improve safety standards, reducing accidents and thus costs.

What are some recent APSA successes?

Higher Annual Pay: During 2024 pay raise negotiations, the Corporation initially proposed a 2.5% raise pool, but APSA, citing unusually high inflation, secured a 3.5% increase - an additional $1,000 per $100,000 salary for all non-supervisory MTS while making Aerospace more competitive in the job market.
Boosted Retirement: APSA successfully advocated for higher 401K contributions, increasing total employer contribution by up to 25% to 50% for employees with over 5 and 25 years of service, respectively. This could add hundreds of thousands to retirement savings over an employee’s career and helps Aerospace retain its most experienced employees.

Where can I get a more comprehensive list of APSA successes?

There are so many we created a whole section in the ApsaTalk.org website! Enjoy!

Who can join APSA?

Any non-management MTS can be a voting member. If you’re not eligible but still want in on the action, join as a non-voting associate.

How can I join APSA?

Fill out the membership form on paper or online. All you need is to know your name, employee number, and date. Easy as 1-2-3! Join here!

Aerospace is already good place to work, why do we need a union?

Exactly and thank you! Founded in 1974, APSA has been instrumental in making Aerospace a positive work environment. Even if you're satisfied now, unions work to protect and improve conditions for everyone. Joining strengthens our collective voice and ensures that improvements continue over time and your voice is heard as the Corporation adapts to an everchanging world and implements their vision for the “future of work.”

Could the Corporation retaliate against me for joining a union?

There is no evidence that Aerospace is retaliating against its unionized workforce. In fact, historically APSA members enter management at a rate higher than the rate for the overall non- supervisory MTS population. APSA members care about their place of employment, and this shows in their work.

It's important to know that unions are legally protected and work to safeguard members against retaliation. Standing together is a powerful way to ensure your rights are respected.

I’m an individualist, why should I join APSA?

APSA complements your individual talents, but your hard work is key to your career advancement. While individual negotiation is important, it can be tough to secure favorable terms alone. Unions provide collective strength via good faith negotiations, amplifying your voice and effectively addressing your needs.

My manager is a great person, they will take care of me, why should I join APSA?

We value our managers, many of whom were APSA members, as APSA members historically enter management at a higher rate than non-supervisory MTS employees. However, a union ensures that workers have a formal voice in decisions affecting them, fostering a fair workplace by holding management accountable. This supports management by creating a stable, happy, and productive workforce. While you may not always have the same manager, APSA will support you as you grow and advance your career at Aerospace.

Are we planning to go on strike?

No, there are no current plans to strike. APSA aims for a win-win partnership through good faith negotiations to secure fair wages, better conditions, and stronger protections, which also benefits the Corporation by attracting top talent and reducing turnover. Striking is a last-resort tool, only used if necessary and voted on by members, to ensure employees' needs are met.

How do I get involved in the fun & rewarding work of running APSA?

APSA is 100% volunteer-run, so its strength comes from our amazing members! You can dive in as much as you’d like - run for APSA leadership or simply hang out with fellow dues-paying members, supporting each other when needed.

There’s a spot for you here! Reach out to any APSA representative or contact us to learn more. Joining and volunteering with APSA means becoming part of a supportive community that fights for your rights and interests. Let's make a difference together!

Where do I go for the latest APSA news and events?

Our website! apsatalk.org (Hey, since you are reading this, you might already be there) We will also periodically send e-mails and snail-mail bulletins with important information.

How is APSA structured?

APSA’s run by a democratically elected Board and various committees, including Negotiations and Grievance. We’re all about teamwork!

Who runs APSA?

The APSA Board, with the help of committees, runs the show. Democracy in action, baby!

How are officers elected?

Nominations happen in February, speeches in March, and voting wraps up in April. It’s like high school elections, but way cooler.

How are my dues spent?

Your dues cover legal expenses, bulletins, and administration. Every penny works for you! Approximately 65% goes to legal expenses, 30% to keeping you informed, and 5% to admin costs.

How does APSA negotiate the contract?

We gather suggestions from APSA members, combine them with expert advice, and present the best package to the Corporation. Negotiations start in June and the goal is to finish by July 31.

Do I get a vote on the contract?

Yes. The APSA Board first approves the contract. Then, members vote by mail referendum. If rejected, negotiations restart.

Suppose I have a grievance?

If you’ve been wronged at work, talk to the APSA Grievance Chair. We’ll help you settle the issue, and if necessary, take it to the Peer Review Board for a final decision.

What about job security?

With APSA, your pay, benefits, and work conditions are protected by contract. You can only be laid off if the company’s out of work and you’re the least qualified.

Is APSA affiliated with other organizations?

Yes, we’re part of the Council of Engineers and Scientists Organizations (CESO), keeping us connected to the latest in labor advocacy.

Is APSA involved in politics or legislation?

Yes, we support pro-space, pro-Aerospace Corporation, and pro-labor candidates. We also lobby for stronger employment laws.