Informed Choice :: Questions & answers about union organizing at UVM.

Informed Choice home ::updated 07.01.05

During an organizing campaign, union representatives will present reasons why they believe joining a collective bargaining unit will benefit non-represented employees. Although the University can and will provide information regarding employee, union and employer rights and responsibilities under Vermont law, there are certain questions about how a union will represent its members that only the union can answer. Questions you may wish to address to any organizing union include:
	How Much Does It Cost? How much are the union dues? Can my dues be increased? Will I have to pay an initiation fee to join the union? Do all union members pay the same dollar amount in dues or do some members pay more than others? Can the union set limits on the minimum or maximum amount of my pay that is subject to union dues? If the union wins the election, will I be required to join the union and pay dues or can I choose not to pay dues? If I choose not to pay dues, will I be required to pay a collective bargaining service fee (agency fee)? If I am required to pay the service fee, how much is the fee?

	Where Does My Dues Money Go? What percent of my dues supports the local union? The national union? Will the union use a portion of my dues to support political campaigns, lobbying efforts, or other organizations? If so, what are they? Who determines the union’s budget and how my dues money is spent? If I have to pay a collective bargaining service fee, what does the fee cover and how is the amount of the fee determined?

	Who Will Represent My Interests? How does the union choose a collective bargaining team? How are the union representatives (stewards) and officers chosen? Who decides the platform and issues for collective bargaining? Does the majority rule? If so, how will my issues be heard if they are different from the majority interests? Who votes to ratify (approve) the union contract? If I choose not to pay dues will the union represent me if I have a grievance?

	What Are the Union’s Priorities? What factors are considered a priority when the union bargains for salary increases: across-the-board increases, pay for performance (merit increases), job market based increases, employee length of service, and/or other factors? Does seniority (length of service) always rule? In competition for job openings? Scheduling vacation Leave? Managing potential layoffs? Selection for overtime assignments? Can the union file a grievance on my behalf without my permission? Is any part of the local union’s collective bargaining agenda set by the national union?