Union Dues Explanation
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Union dues are paid to support the administration and enforcement of our collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and to provide services and resources that benefit our members.
Monthly membership dues are two and five hundredths percent (2.05%) of a member’s gross straight-time monthly pay. These dues provide HCU with the resources necessary to represent members, administer the CBA, address workplace concerns, and support the ongoing work of the union.
Union dues help HCU:
Provide representation for members. Dues help cover the cost of substitutes so that members can be released from their regular duties when they need representation or must meet with management regarding workplace issues.
Prepare for collective bargaining. Dues provide the resources necessary for the bargaining team to prepare, research, organize, and participate effectively in negotiations at the bargaining table.
Maintain a dedicated union office. HCU maintains an office where officers and members can meet privately to discuss workplace concerns, review issues, and conduct union business in a confidential and professional setting.
Ensure financial accountability. Dues help pay for an independent auditor to review the union’s financial records and ensure that union funds are properly accounted for, organized, and used responsibly.
Provide full-time release for union work. Dues allow an officer to take full-time release from their regular assignment to attend meetings, assist members, address workplace concerns, and carry out other responsibilities on behalf of the bargaining unit.
Maintain a reliable source of information. Dues support HCU’s website, which serves as a resource where members can access current information, important documents, updates, and other union resources.
Invest in member and leadership development. Dues help provide members with opportunities to attend professional development, leadership training, conferences, and educational programs that strengthen their knowledge and skills and help develop future union leaders.
Access to AFT Resources and Support
Access to AFT Resources and Support
A significant portion of HCU members’ dues goes toward our affiliation with AFT, our parent organization, which provides HCU with access to a wide range of resources, expertise, and professional support.
One of the most valuable resources provided through this affiliation is a dedicated AFT representative who works directly with HCU. This representative serves as an experienced resource and provides assistance in many areas of union work, including:
Collective bargaining and contract negotiations, including preparation, strategy, research, and support at the bargaining table.
Grievance support, helping officers and members navigate the grievance process and address violations or concerns related to the collective bargaining agreement.
Contract interpretation and enforcement, providing guidance when questions arise about the language or application of our agreement.
Training and professional development for union officers, representatives, and members.
Organizing and member representation, providing guidance and support as workplace issues arise.
Legal, legislative, and labor-relations resources that help HCU navigate complex workplace and labor issues.
Additional educational materials, research, and resources that would be difficult and costly for HCU to develop independently.
Our affiliation with AFT gives HCU access to the knowledge, experience, and resources of a much larger organization while still allowing our local union to advocate directly for the needs of our members. This support strengthens our ability to represent members effectively, negotiate a strong collective bargaining agreement, and respond to workplace issues when they arise.
What Controls Your Union Dues?
What Controls Your Union Dues?
Union dues are determined by the membership. Any change to the dues rate must be approved by a vote of the members at a general membership meeting.
The dues rate is established in the HCU bylaws and may be adjusted as needed through the membership process. The current dues rate was approved by the membership at the October 14, 2015, general membership meeting.
Current Dues Rate
From HCU Bylaws:
“Monthly Dues for regular members shall be two and five hundredths of a percent
(2.05%) of gross strait-time monthly pay”
How Dues Are Calculated?
Examples:
Yearly Income Monthly Income Dues Amount
$12,000 $1,000 $20.50
$24,000 $2,000 $41.00
$30,000 $2,500 $51.25
$36,000 $3,000 $61.50
*The only money that is counted towards your strait-time pay is your regular wage that is on your contract. This is sometimes called your base pay, gross income, or annual salary.
What isn’t counted as strait-time pay?
● Overtime
● Extra Duty Contract Time
● Stipends
● Insurance opt out
Ultimately, union dues provide HCU with the resources needed to effectively represent members, uphold the collective bargaining agreement, address workplace concerns, and maintain a strong and informed bargaining unit.
For more information about how our dues are calculated,
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