FAQ

All non-supervisory MTS are represented equally by APSA, but 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 lead 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 also benefit, but paying members keep the union strong

APSA represents you:  

• Ensures you're a "Just Cause" employee, not "At Will," regardless of membership  

• “Just Cause” means you can’t be fired without good reason. “At Will” employees can be fired at any time, for any reason – or no reason at all. 

• Negotiates benefits like salaries, holidays, vacation, insurance, severance, retirement, and medical plans 

• Bargains over Corporation actions affecting you, such as the “Return to Office,” performance evaluations, 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 https://www.APSAunion.org website 

• Offers a free hour of consultation with a security clearance attorney 

• Only members receive the annual salary analysis 

• Higher Annual Pay: During 2023 pay raise negotiations, the Corporation initially proposed a 2.7% raise pool, but APSA secured a 3.7% increase - an additional $1,000 per $100,000 salary for all non-supervisory MTS while making Aerospace more competitive in the job market. 

• APSA similarly negotiated a 0.5% increase from the company’s initial salary proposal in 2025. 

• 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.  

• Doubled Comp Time Accrual Limit: For FY26 and FY27, the limit will rise to 40 hours per week for full-time MTS and 20 hours for part-time MTS, enhancing work-life balance for employees. 

• $25,000 Fertility, surrogacy, menopause, and adoption benefit for employees. Includes two cycles of IVF, adoption and surrogacy coaching, and mental health provider access. 

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 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

• 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.  

• As of March 2026, 23% of non-management MTS are dues-paying, voting APSA members. This percentage has been growing in recent years and the higher we can get this percentage, the greater our collective voice. That is why we need your support! 

• Fill out the membership form on paper or online. All you need to know is your name and employee number. Easy as 1-2-3! https://www.APSAunion.org/membership 

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.”  

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.   

APSA complements your individual talents, but your hard work alone does not ensure favorable working conditions for all. While individual contributions are critical, it can be tough to secure agreeable policies and conditions alone. Unions provide collective strength via good faith negotiations, amplifying your voice and effectively addressing your needs.

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.  

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.  

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! https://www.APSAunion.org/officers 

Our website www.APSAunion.org!  We will also periodically send e-mails and snail-mail bulletins with important information. 

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

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

Nominations happen in February, speeches in March, and voting wraps up in April. 

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. APSA is entirely volunteer run.

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. 

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

If you’ve been wronged at work, send an email to grievances@apsaunion.org. We’ll help you settle the issue, and if necessary, take it to the Peer Review Board for a final decision. 

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

APSA is not currently affiliated with other organizations.  In the past, we have been part of the Council of Engineers and Scientists Organizations (CESO).

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