Dues 101

Many workers have never paid dues. So what are they? Why do I pay them? What do I get for the money?

So what are dues?

Dues are a set hourly amount that is paid into the union. It is a small assessment taken off the paycheck to keep the union working as a business. The monies collected pay for a handful of elected people working full time, the training centers, and sometimes as charity. At every monthly meeting there are many requests from charities for help. In most instances, our members will ask the rest of the members to gift money to these charitable organizations. It is our public outreach that people generally never hear about.

Why do you pay dues?

They are paid so that the local keeps running. All members pay in an equal amount and the cost is bared by all. This pays the wages of the manager and agents who are keeping the business going and answering to contractors and members. You only pay in what is needed and nothing more. The union is set up as a nonprofit so nothing extra is paid it not related to the cost of keeping the business going.

What do you get for the money?

Your dues are helping you stay educated and gainfully employed. They are paying for the buildings where we meet, collaborate and instruct. Your agents are there to assist you anytime you have a question about insurance, retirement, work, and many other services. Agents are there to make sure there is transparency with all funds and to put you to work. This is a democracy and all members have the opportunity to be a candidate during the election if the current manager or agents are not doing as well as you could.

It is really that simple.

Your dues pay for your training centers and a few people that keep everything going. It is a small amount and many other businesses have modeled their services after ours. Temp agencies all charge fees and really offer nothing for the service. You will be paying more for them putting you to work for less wages and usually no benefits. Union dues are for the common good of the members and a value to all.