DUES
How much are union dues?
Since this is a newly formed independent union, we do not know how much the union dues will be, as we are not familiar with the specifics of their constitution (if there is one). Union dues fund various operational costs of the union such as salaries of union officials, legal expenses, formation of documents, member services, etc... Without a clear understanding of the union's financial structure and member obligations, it is challenging to predict the exact amount members may be required to pay.
Usually unions charge a percentage, flat monthly amount or a multiplier of hourly rate. Here are a few examples:
Percentage
If you make $15/hour and dues are 4% of your base pay per month, you will pay $1,248 per year in union dues (for a full-time employee).
If you make $18/hour and dues are 4% of your base pay per month, you will pay $1,497 per year in union dues (for a full-time employee).
Hourly Rate Multiplier
If you make $15/hour and dues are 3.5 hours of your base pay per month, you will pay $630 per year in union dues (for a full-time employee).
If you make $18/hour and dues are 3.5 hours of your base pay per month, you will pay $756 per year in union dues (for a full-time employee).
What if I don’t want to join the union or pay dues?
Under Oregon law, you are not required to join the union as a member, but if the union is voted in, you may still be required to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. If the union wins, the terms of any negotiated contract apply to you whether or not you join, but only union members are allowed to vote on contract ratification or union leadership.
How does the union collect union dues?
If a union is voted in and a contract is negotiated, union dues are typically collected through automatic payroll deduction. Dues are deducted directly from employees’ paychecks according to the dues structure established by Papa Haydn Workers Union Constitution and the collective bargaining agreement.
Wouldn't we control how our dues are spent?
No. Decisions about how union dues are spent are made by Papa Haydn Workers Union’s leadership. By law, unions are required to disclose how dues money is spent in an annual financial report filed with the U.S. Department of Labor (known as an LM‑2 report).
Can Papa Haydn Workers Union increase dues?
Yes, the Union can also charge initiation fees and other fines, fees and assessments, such as a fine for crossing an established picket line during a strike.