What does it mean to be a full dues paying member of the union?

Currently the State of New Jersey automatically deducts an agency fee (also called a 'fair share') from the paychecks of all employees in the AFT bargaining unit.  This fee reflects costs incurred in the performance of such duties as:

• representing employees in labor/management issues
• negotiation and adminstering the contract
• settling grievances and disputes

All employees in the AFT bargaining unit receive these services from the union.

By becoming a full dues paying member, you are making an important statement at the state and local bargaining tables and in the halls of the state legislature where our interests are represented in the political arena.  The more full dues paying members we have, the more representatives we have at the state bargaining table.

What do members get that agency fee payers don't?

Only full members can vote in the ratification of the state contract, vote on local leadership and vote on resolutions at our meetings.  Full members also receive one million dollars in Occupational Liability Insurance and various member benefit discounts.

What does it cost to be a full dues paying member? 

For a full-time employee earning $50,000 annual salary, dues breakdown per pay period would be:

12 month employee:                         10 month employee:       agency fee = $17.09                         agency fee = $20.66       member dues = $20.11                     member dues = $24.31   difference = $3.02                            difference = $3.65

When you become a full dues paying member, you'll pay the member dues instead of the agency fee.  Therefore in the above scenario it would cost the 12 month employee $3.02 per pay period to join the union.

What about adjuncts?

The dues rate for adjuncts is 1%.  For the 2007/2008 academic year the salary for an adjunct is $1,050 per credit hour.  Per credit hour the dues structure is as follows:

agency fee = $8.93                                                                member dues = $10.50                                                          difference = $1.57

In other words it only costs $1.57 per credit to become a full dues paying member.  Remember, it doesn't cost to join the union, it pays to join the union!

How do I become a member?

Request a membeship card from Judith Pernot (x7108 or jpernot@ramapo.edu).   Complete the card and return via campus mail.