What is a Union?
A labor union, commonly referred to as a 'Union' is an organization formed by workers, like you, who join together to gain a stronger voice and negotiate as a group with their employers for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does being in the union mean for me?
As a union member you are entitled to several benefits that non-union members don't receive.
- Being in a Union means your seniority is protected, which will become increasingly important the longer you work for your employer.
- Being in a Union prohibits discipline or discharge except for just cause, once you have completed your probationary period.
- Being in a Union provides Paid Time Off (PTO) which the union negotiates and is paid for by the employer.
- Being in a Union means affordable healthcare and pension benefits which the union negotiates and is paid for by your employer.
- Being in a Union means protection from harassment, intimidation, or retaliation from management, giving you confidence and security to address workplace issues
What is a union contract and what does it do for me?
A Union Contract is a legally binding agreement with the employer. With your participation, your union negotiates and enforces this agreement on your behalf. Without a Union Contract, employers can change your pay, hours, or even let you go without much protection. A union contract prevents that.
What are union dues and fees?
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 for all new members. A reinstatement fee is issued for previous members who did not leave the union in good standing. Normally these dues and fees are automatically taken out of your payroll check every pay period.
Where do my dues go?
Your dues are not just senseless fees made up by the Local, your dues help pay for basic necessities for the Local, such as office supplies, staff wages, legal expenses, printing, postage, and the union’s cost of representing the employees in the bargaining units.
WHAT IF I DONT WANT TO PAY UNION DUES?
All employees in a union position must pay union dues. Union positions are outlined in a Union Contract. If you do not wish to be a part of the Local union, you will need to enter a non-union position.
wHAT IS A sTRIKE fEE FOR?
The strike fund fee, commonly referred to as the ‘Strike Fee’, is a one-time-only fee of $25.00.
This fee is paid directly to the Strike and Defense Fund established by our by-laws. This fund becomes very important during contract bargaining time as it would be used to pay the membership should a strike occur, so a healthy strike fund is important.
The Strike Fee must be paid in order to receive a withdrawal card.
This fee is paid directly to the Strike and Defense Fund established by our by-laws. This fund becomes very important during contract bargaining time as it would be used to pay the membership should a strike occur, so a healthy strike fund is important.
The Strike Fee must be paid in order to receive a withdrawal card.
What is a withdrawal card?
What is a Withdrawal card?
A withdrawal card is an important part of leaving a union in good standing. Should you no longer be employed under a contract with this Local, you will want to request a Withdrawal card. A withdrawal card waives all reinstatement fees (up to $300) at ANY UFCW Union within the U.S. and Canada, the $25.00 strike fee and any remaining balance on your account must be satisfied in exchange.
A withdrawal card is an important part of leaving a union in good standing. Should you no longer be employed under a contract with this Local, you will want to request a Withdrawal card. A withdrawal card waives all reinstatement fees (up to $300) at ANY UFCW Union within the U.S. and Canada, the $25.00 strike fee and any remaining balance on your account must be satisfied in exchange.
how does a union work?
A Union is a group of workers who come together to improve their workplace.
- Members vote on decisions
- Elected leaders negotiate contracts on behalf of the members
- Dues collected help fund operations, legal support, and representation
What is an officer?
Officers manage the Local union, which include:
- a President
- Secretary-Treasurer
- Recorder
- Ten (10) Vice-Presidents.
What is a union representative
A Union Rep is the person you call when something goes wrong at work.
- Handles contract violations
- Helps with workplace issues
- Represents you in disciplinary situations
what is a shop steward
A shop steward is a union member that:
- Represents you on-site
- Communicates with management
- Helps with union related concerns
how is a union contract made?
Elected union officers negotiate with management to create a contract, commonly known as a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
- Proposed changes are drafted into a settlement.
- Settlement is presented to the affected members in a scheduled meeting
- Members make an informed decision to accept or reject the settlement
what are general membership meetings?
These are regular meetings where members stay informed and involved.
Click here to view our meeting schedule
- Meetings are held quarterly
- Share updates and union news
- Open discussion for workplace concerns
Click here to view our meeting schedule
wHEN SHOULD I NOTIFY THE UNION OF A PROBLEM?
IMMEDIATELY call the Union. There are specific time frame requirements in the contract when dealing with formal grievances. It is important that you notify us as soon as possible.
HOw many hours do i need to work a month to maintain health 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.