| [Interim Dues Structure Ratification Notice] |
| [Interim Dues Structure] |
| [Interim Planning Budget] |
| [Accountability & Transparency] |
| [Ratification Vote & Timeframes] |
| [Union Membership] |
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UNION MEMBERSHIP
1) Does voting to ratify this interim dues structure make me a member of our union?
2) How do I become a member of our union?
3) What are the benefits of union membership?
4) Will the union be charging “agency fees” (i.e., fee charged to non-union members to cover services they receive from the union)?
5) Where do I go for more information?
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| 1) Does voting to ratify this interim dues structure make me a member of our union? |
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No, the point of this vote is to allow the full bargaining unit to have a say if they believe the interim dues the Interim Council developed makes sense and is something a potential union member could support. |
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| 2) How do I become a member of our union? |
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If the interim dues structure is ratified, the Membership Committee will start a preliminary membership drive, which will ask bargaining unit employees interested in joining to fill out a simple membership card. You will not pay dues until the Constitution is ratified, however. For more information, please contact your Interim Council Representative or one of the following people: Ron La Due Lake, Dan Meyer, Chris Langford, or Lise Levie. |
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| 3) What are the benefits of union membership? |
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The primary benefit of union membership is the ability to participate in the democratic process of our union. The full bargaining unit will be allowed to participate in the feedback sessions and will participate in the ratification vote of our union Constitution, but once the Constitution is ratified, only dues-paying union members can run and vote for a union position, volunteer on committees, or ratify negotiated contracts and internal union policies (e.g., future changes to the dues structure). |
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Bargaining unit employees who choose not to become members will be entitled to the benefits union members gain through negotiations with management, such as increases in pay. They will also have the right to request any services the union negotiates, such as arbitration and grievance procedures. However, the more members and perspectives we represent, the stronger our voice and ability to affect change and to provide these services. |
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Please note that if you elect to become a member before the Constitution is ratified, dues will not be deducted until after the Constitution is ratified. |
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| 4) Will the union be charging “agency fees” (i.e., fee charged to non-union members to cover services they receive from the union)? |
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No, federal unions cannot charge agency fees to bargaining members who choose not to become union members. |
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| 5) Where do I go for more information? |
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We will be holding several brown-bag sessions before the ratification ballots go out to answer any other questions, as well as explain in more detail this very important decision. The dates and times for these brown-bags are below. Field staff can participate by calling the following number: 1-866-285-7778 (passcode 9164844)
•June 26, 2008 – 11:30 to 1:30PM (EDT) HQ room 5T63
•July 1, 2008 – 11:30 to 1:30PM (EDT) HQ room 2T59
•July 9, 2008 – 11:30 to 1:30PM (EDT) HQ room 2N30
•July 14, 2008 – 11:30 to 1:30PM (EST) HQ room 2N30 |
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In addition, please contact your Interim Council Representative or one of the following people: Ron La Due Lake, Dan Meyer, Chris Langford, or Lise Levie |
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