Delegates at the 2006 AFSCME International Convention passed a resolution that requires all councils to adopt a progressive dues structure by 2011. If our Local does not have a progressive dues structure in place by 2011, dues will be 2 percent of gross pay. To comply with this mandate Local 3142 has participated in committee training by Council 5.
Our ultimate goal is to find a formula that is fair and based on a person’s ability to pay. The formula should yield sufficient revenue to sustain the International Union, Council 5, and Local 3142 so we may grow and have the resources to build power and respond to problems and crisis.
Progressive dues would replace our current structure, in which members pay a flat, monthly amount. Instead, payments would vary and be tied more directly to an individual’s level of pay. This new structure would also apply to fee payers. It could be based on a percentage of gross pay, a percentage of hourly pay, or pay ranges. Nearly all members will end up paying a different amount than they are presently paying. After looking at a number of formulas the Local has voted to utilize a progressive structure based on 1.6% of gross wages. This formula would address part time employees as well as fulltime employees. It will not include overtime or shift differential pay. The Local felt that this is the fairest formula of progressive dues. After exhaustive discussion the Local Executive Board and Finance Committee worked through various progressive dues scenarios.
The 21st Century Plan calls for a series of increases for the next 5 years to be paid to the International Union and Council 5. In return, there is a bold new vision being implemented to strengthen the Union. There is a strong component of organizing and growing this Union in numbers and in presence. That’s why union members earn a much higher wage than nonunion workers in the private sector. We also receive 40-50% more in benefits. None of this would be possible without the power of AFSCME union brothers and sisters. Management knows the power of AFSCME unity at the bargaining table. We build, we grow, and we get stronger with dues to assist in the fight. Dues provide the resources to stand up for good jobs and benefits, decent working conditions and a better future for our families. Organized labor delivers results.
Your local leadership is aware that the shift to this progressive dues structure is a substantial increase for many members. On the other hand, this change will mean a decrease in dues to other members. Ultimately, it has been and continues to be the goal of your Local leadership to keep the dues at a modest level and make every effort to keep the percentage increases as low as possible.
Our newly incorporated dues structure will begin on January 1, 2011.
