FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it ok to work off the clock if I'm running behind in my department and need to finish a task?
NO. It's never okay to work off the clock. It's a violation of your Union Contract and Company Policy and Procedure. If you need more time to finish a task, get approval from Management, PIC or Department Head.
How many hours do I need to work in a month in order to maintain my healthcare benefits?
You need to have 90 hours per month, which is roughly 24 hours per week, to qualify for healthcare benefits. However, these hours are compensable hours, meaning that they are not only hours worked, but also vacation day, personal day, or sick leave that you got paid for.
What role does the Union play in my job?
The Union represents the employees collectively as a united voice working to protect and improve living standards and working conditions.
How is this done?
First, the Union negotiating committee is formed with employees participating. They sit down with the employer and work out an agreement, which is then voted on by all the employees and if a majority accepts the agreement, it becomes a ratified labor contract.
What kind of things does my contract cover?
The Union negotiates for many benefits including wages, holidays, vacations, breaks, seniority rights, medical coverage and retirement plan. It also contains a grievance and arbitration procedure to address any contract (work) related problems.
What is a grievance?
A grievance occurs when there is a dispute or disagreement between the Union, Union member and the employer on the application or the interpretation of your Union contract.
How long should I wait to notify the Union of a problem or contract violation?
Call us the same day (if after office hours, leave a message on our recorder). We have specific time frames that the contract requires us to meet when dealing with a formal grievance. It is very important to notify us as soon as possible.
Who do I contact if I have a question or problem?
Contact your shop steward at your job site or call the Union office and ask for your Union Representative.
If my representative cannot help me, who’s above them?
Please feel free to speak directly to your Union President with any concerns that you may have with your Union Representative.
What do I do if I get into trouble on the job?
As a union member, you have the right to have your Union Representative with you any time you are subjected to an interrogation interview which may lead to disciplinary action.
Will security or management automatically call the Union?
NO!! It is your responsibility to request Union representation. You must inform the interviewer that you will not proceed until your request has been met.
What if I am refused after I’ve asked for Union representation?
Do not make or sign any statement of guilt or innocence, remain in the room and explain that you are requesting Union representation and will continue when your Union Representative is present.
What if I continue without my Union Representative?
Then you waive your right to representation and any statement made can be used against you. WHEN IN DOUBT – CALL THE UNION!
If I am injured on the job, am I covered by the Alaska Workers Compensation Law?
Yes, you are covered by the state industrial insurance or by the company on a self-insured basis. Report the injury to your doctor and the management person in charge at your job location. Management has claim forms for you and your doctor to fill out. Be sure to do this anytime you are injured on the job.
If I’m sick, do I still get paid?
Yes, the Union has negotiated a sick leave benefit (in most contracts) and generally speaking, once you’ve qualified (one year) it begins on the 3rd day of illness. Contract language varies from area to area so be sure to check your specific contract for this benefit.
UNION DUES, INITIATION FEES AND STRIKE FEE
Monthly Dues and Initiation Fees: Your monthly dues must be paid by the first of each month. There is a one-time initiation fee and a one-time strike assessment fee. Normally, these dues and fees (excluding the strike assessment fee) may be paid by payroll deduction.
Does the company always take my dues out of my paycheck?
Various employers deduct union dues from your paycheck on a specific pay period each month. The employers deduct the dues from your paycheck as a negotiated part of your contract. Some of the reasons your dues might not be deducted from your paycheck include:
1. You didn't have enough hours reported.
2. You were not working due to vacation or illness during the pay period that dues were deducted.
3. You are a new-hire and the employer doesn't have a properly completed authorization form.
If the dues are not deducted from your check, it is your responsibility to pay your dues. Some, but not all, employers will deduct past dues from a future check. If dues are not deducted from your paycheck and no self-payment has been received by Local 1496, a "statement of account" notice will be sent to you from Local 1496. To help you keep current, be sure to update us on your phone number, address and job classification.
Where do my dues go?
Your dues pay for basic necessities like office rent, supplies, equipment, legal expenses, arbitration fees, printing, postage, affiliation fees and the Union’s cost of representing the employees in the bargaining units.
What happens if I don’t pay my dues on time?
If you get two months behind, you will be suspended and be subject to a reinstatement fee in addition to the back dues.
Who do I contact regarding my dues account?
You would contact your local Union office and speak to the membership services person.
What is the strike fee for?
The strike fund fee of $25.00 is a “one time only” fee paid directly into the Strike and Defense Fund established by our by-laws. A healthy strike fund keeps us in a stronger position at contract bargaining time. The money would be used to supplement your income should a strike occur. You control the fund and make the decision to strike by a vote of all the affected members. The Strike Fee must be paid in order to receive a withdrawal card. Remember, it’s your money!
WITHDRAWAL CARD:
If you are no longer employed under a contract with this Union, you may want to take a withdrawal card. Returning a withdrawal card permits you certain advantages if you return to work in the industry with this Local or other local unions affiliated with the UFCW International Union.
If I terminate my employment, should I contact the Union?
YES!! If you are eligible, we will issue you a withdrawal card which will enable you to become an active member with any UFCW Local in the United States and in Canada without paying the initiation fee again. You should always take a withdrawal card when you terminate or are going to be off work for 30 days or more. This includes leaves of absences, maternity leave and injuries or illness which require you to be off the job.
Why should you fill out a withdrawal card?
Withdrawal cards are for members in "good standing" who are out of work for thirty days or more. To be eligible for a withdrawal card you need to be able to answer "yes" to all of the following questions:
1. Is your initiation complete?
2. Are your dues current?
3. Has your one-time strike fee of $25.00 been paid?
4. Do we have your current address and phone number?
Withdrawal cards can save you money! UFCW will not require you to pay union dues while you are withdrawn and not working. You will also not be required to pay a reinstatement fee for initiation if you return to work in the UFCW anywhere in the United States or Canada.
UNION MEETINGS
What can I do to keep the Union strong?
You have an equal voice and can vote in deciding what Local #1496 does and how it does it. You can do this by attending the Union meetings.
When are the meetings held?
The general membership meetings are held four (4) times a year. Please attend and keep informed. Watch the bulletin board at your job site for postings on when and where the meetings are or check with your shop steward for the dates. You can also visit The Membership Resources tab at the top of the website.
What else can I do besides attending meetings?
We can always use help in the office, the newsletter, organizing, or even in the political arena. Please feel free to call if you want to share your time with us. Good involvement keeps our Union strong.
Is it ok to work off the clock if I'm running behind in my department and need to finish a task?
NO. It's never okay to work off the clock. It's a violation of your Union Contract and Company Policy and Procedure. If you need more time to finish a task, get approval from Management, PIC or Department Head.
How many hours do I need to work in a month in order to maintain my healthcare benefits?
You need to have 90 hours per month, which is roughly 24 hours per week, to qualify for healthcare benefits. However, these hours are compensable hours, meaning that they are not only hours worked, but also vacation day, personal day, or sick leave that you got paid for.
What role does the Union play in my job?
The Union represents the employees collectively as a united voice working to protect and improve living standards and working conditions.
How is this done?
First, the Union negotiating committee is formed with employees participating. They sit down with the employer and work out an agreement, which is then voted on by all the employees and if a majority accepts the agreement, it becomes a ratified labor contract.
What kind of things does my contract cover?
The Union negotiates for many benefits including wages, holidays, vacations, breaks, seniority rights, medical coverage and retirement plan. It also contains a grievance and arbitration procedure to address any contract (work) related problems.
What is a grievance?
A grievance occurs when there is a dispute or disagreement between the Union, Union member and the employer on the application or the interpretation of your Union contract.
How long should I wait to notify the Union of a problem or contract violation?
Call us the same day (if after office hours, leave a message on our recorder). We have specific time frames that the contract requires us to meet when dealing with a formal grievance. It is very important to notify us as soon as possible.
Who do I contact if I have a question or problem?
Contact your shop steward at your job site or call the Union office and ask for your Union Representative.
If my representative cannot help me, who’s above them?
Please feel free to speak directly to your Union President with any concerns that you may have with your Union Representative.
What do I do if I get into trouble on the job?
As a union member, you have the right to have your Union Representative with you any time you are subjected to an interrogation interview which may lead to disciplinary action.
Will security or management automatically call the Union?
NO!! It is your responsibility to request Union representation. You must inform the interviewer that you will not proceed until your request has been met.
What if I am refused after I’ve asked for Union representation?
Do not make or sign any statement of guilt or innocence, remain in the room and explain that you are requesting Union representation and will continue when your Union Representative is present.
What if I continue without my Union Representative?
Then you waive your right to representation and any statement made can be used against you. WHEN IN DOUBT – CALL THE UNION!
If I am injured on the job, am I covered by the Alaska Workers Compensation Law?
Yes, you are covered by the state industrial insurance or by the company on a self-insured basis. Report the injury to your doctor and the management person in charge at your job location. Management has claim forms for you and your doctor to fill out. Be sure to do this anytime you are injured on the job.
If I’m sick, do I still get paid?
Yes, the Union has negotiated a sick leave benefit (in most contracts) and generally speaking, once you’ve qualified (one year) it begins on the 3rd day of illness. Contract language varies from area to area so be sure to check your specific contract for this benefit.
UNION DUES, INITIATION FEES AND STRIKE FEE
Monthly Dues and Initiation Fees: Your monthly dues must be paid by the first of each month. There is a one-time initiation fee and a one-time strike assessment fee. Normally, these dues and fees (excluding the strike assessment fee) may be paid by payroll deduction.
Does the company always take my dues out of my paycheck?
Various employers deduct union dues from your paycheck on a specific pay period each month. The employers deduct the dues from your paycheck as a negotiated part of your contract. Some of the reasons your dues might not be deducted from your paycheck include:
1. You didn't have enough hours reported.
2. You were not working due to vacation or illness during the pay period that dues were deducted.
3. You are a new-hire and the employer doesn't have a properly completed authorization form.
If the dues are not deducted from your check, it is your responsibility to pay your dues. Some, but not all, employers will deduct past dues from a future check. If dues are not deducted from your paycheck and no self-payment has been received by Local 1496, a "statement of account" notice will be sent to you from Local 1496. To help you keep current, be sure to update us on your phone number, address and job classification.
Where do my dues go?
Your dues pay for basic necessities like office rent, supplies, equipment, legal expenses, arbitration fees, printing, postage, affiliation fees and the Union’s cost of representing the employees in the bargaining units.
What happens if I don’t pay my dues on time?
If you get two months behind, you will be suspended and be subject to a reinstatement fee in addition to the back dues.
Who do I contact regarding my dues account?
You would contact your local Union office and speak to the membership services person.
What is the strike fee for?
The strike fund fee of $25.00 is a “one time only” fee paid directly into the Strike and Defense Fund established by our by-laws. A healthy strike fund keeps us in a stronger position at contract bargaining time. The money would be used to supplement your income should a strike occur. You control the fund and make the decision to strike by a vote of all the affected members. The Strike Fee must be paid in order to receive a withdrawal card. Remember, it’s your money!
WITHDRAWAL CARD:
If you are no longer employed under a contract with this Union, you may want to take a withdrawal card. Returning a withdrawal card permits you certain advantages if you return to work in the industry with this Local or other local unions affiliated with the UFCW International Union.
If I terminate my employment, should I contact the Union?
YES!! If you are eligible, we will issue you a withdrawal card which will enable you to become an active member with any UFCW Local in the United States and in Canada without paying the initiation fee again. You should always take a withdrawal card when you terminate or are going to be off work for 30 days or more. This includes leaves of absences, maternity leave and injuries or illness which require you to be off the job.
Why should you fill out a withdrawal card?
Withdrawal cards are for members in "good standing" who are out of work for thirty days or more. To be eligible for a withdrawal card you need to be able to answer "yes" to all of the following questions:
1. Is your initiation complete?
2. Are your dues current?
3. Has your one-time strike fee of $25.00 been paid?
4. Do we have your current address and phone number?
Withdrawal cards can save you money! UFCW will not require you to pay union dues while you are withdrawn and not working. You will also not be required to pay a reinstatement fee for initiation if you return to work in the UFCW anywhere in the United States or Canada.
UNION MEETINGS
What can I do to keep the Union strong?
You have an equal voice and can vote in deciding what Local #1496 does and how it does it. You can do this by attending the Union meetings.
When are the meetings held?
The general membership meetings are held four (4) times a year. Please attend and keep informed. Watch the bulletin board at your job site for postings on when and where the meetings are or check with your shop steward for the dates. You can also visit The Membership Resources tab at the top of the website.
What else can I do besides attending meetings?
We can always use help in the office, the newsletter, organizing, or even in the political arena. Please feel free to call if you want to share your time with us. Good involvement keeps our Union strong.