Our Collective Voice Still Matters: Continue Supporting Fair Compensation for MSU Employees
On October 30, 2026, APSA President Joe Garza addressed the Michigan State University Board of Trustees regarding the need for a fair and equitable compensation adjustment for represented employees. Following that presentation, union leaders from the Coalition of Labor Organizations (CLO) hosted a Special Town Hall Meeting to discuss the issue, share additional information, answer member questions, and outline next steps.
The Town Hall may be over, but the need for member engagement remains as important as ever.
Why We Continue to Advocate
As many members know, the Healthcare MOU matrix resulted in only a 1.4% wage increase. APSA and other unions within the CLO requested that University administration provide an additional wage increase based on a variety of factors affecting employees across campus.
The University's position was that it was not obligated to provide compensation beyond the terms of the agreement.
The CLO believes that response falls short of recognizing the contributions employees make every day to support Michigan State University's mission.
For years, employees have adapted to increased workloads, staffing shortages, workforce reductions, operational challenges, and changing workplace expectations. Throughout these challenges, union-represented employees continued to provide the high level of service expected by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader Spartan community.
Shared Sacrifice Should Mean Shared Reward
When the University has faced difficult circumstances, employees have consistently stepped up and done their part.
Departments have absorbed vacancies. Employees have taken on additional responsibilities. Teams have found ways to maintain service levels despite limited resources.
That is what shared sacrifice looks like.
As the University continues to experience success, employees should also have the opportunity to share in that success. Employees are not asking to get ahead. They are asking for fair treatment and equitable consideration.
The additional compensation adjustment requested by the CLO would not place employees ahead of inflation. Rather, it would better align employee compensation with the realities employees face and demonstrate that the University values the people who contribute to its success every day.
Why Your Voice Matters
APSA has seen the impact that member engagement can have.
When members communicate directly with University leadership and the Board of Trustees, decision-makers hear firsthand how policies and decisions affect employees and their families.
That is why APSA continues to encourage members to contact University leadership and express support for the CLO's request for a fair additional compensation adjustment.
Contact University Leadership and the Board of Trustees
APSA encourages members to respectfully contact the following individuals and share their support for a fair compensation adjustment:
Michigan State University Board of Trustees – trustees@msu.edu
President Kevin Guskiewicz – president@msu.edu
Interim Executive Vice President for Administration Michael Zeig – zeigmich@pres.msu.edu
Vice President for Human Resources Donna Donovan – ddonovan@hr.msu.edu
Employee and Labor Relations Director Stephanie Horton – dawestep@hr.msu.edu
What to Include in Your Message
Consider sharing:
How long you have worked at Michigan State University.
How your role contributes to the University's mission.
How staffing shortages, increased workloads, or operational changes have affected your work.
How current economic conditions have affected you and your family.
Why you support the CLO's request for an additional compensation adjustment.
The most effective messages are personal, professional, and authentic.
You do not need to write a lengthy message. A sincere email from your own perspective can be extremely effective in helping University leadership understand the impact these decisions have on employees.
Standing Together
The Coalition of Labor Organizations was formed on the belief that employees are strongest when they stand together. While APSA and other labor organizations represent different employee groups, we are united in our belief that the people who keep Michigan State University running deserve fair consideration and fair compensation.
The conversation does not end with a Town Hall meeting, a presentation to the Board, or a single email. Meaningful change often occurs when employees consistently and collectively make their voices heard.
If you have not yet contacted University leadership regarding this issue, we encourage you to do so.
Together, we can continue advocating for compensation that reflects the value, dedication, and commitment that represented employees bring to Michigan State University every day.
When employees shared in the sacrifices, they helped carry the University forward. As the University moves forward, employees deserve the opportunity to share in the rewards.
In Solidarity,
APSA Executive Board
Supporting the Coalition of Labor Organizations (CLO) Call for Fair Compensation
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