Dues Increase of $0.15/paycheck

In a letter dated October 19, 2012, AFSCME’s Secretary-Treasurer Laura Reyes informed AFSCME’s District Councils and Locals that effective January 1, 2013 membership dues will increase by $0.30 per month. Since we are paid bi-weekly the total per paycheck will be rounded to $0.15.  We should see the increase in our March 8, 2013 paycheck and it will be retroactive to January 1, 2013.

AFSCME’s constitution Article IX Subordinate Bodies explains how dues increases are calculated. Section 6 of this Article determines if an increase should happen “The dues of each local union shall be adjusted annually in accordance with the average percentage increase in pay of AFSCME members...” If AFSCME’s members did not get an increase in the 12-month period ending July 1, then dues will not be increased in the coming calendar year. If AFSCME members did get an increase in that 12-month period, then dues will be increased.

Section 7 of the same article explains how the increase is computed.

“Each subordinate body shall submit a copy of any collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of understanding or other agreements affecting the wages of its members to the International Secretary-Treasurer within thirty days after their ratification...”

Furthermore,

“From the above document and reports, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall determine, by September 30 of each year, the average percentage increase in pay received by AFSCME’s members...Upon completion of this calculation, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall cause it to be audited by an independent certified public accountant not otherwise connected with AFSCME...Such audit shall certify the accuracy of the International Secretary-Treasurer’s calculation...Upon receipt of such certification, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall notify the International Executive Board and each subordinate body of the resulting adjustment in dues and per capita tax required to be implemented...”

The audited calculation of AFSCME member pay increases for a dues increase determined that our dues will increase $0.30 per month, $0.15 per paycheck.

As a reminder, our dues go towards many benefits, including:

• DC 37 Representatives who advocate for us and file grievances on our behalf;
• DC 37 Lawyers, who recently helped us file a lawsuit against the Administration to obtain the Library Trustees’ minutes;
• DC 37 Negotiators who are working to get us a new contract;
• The Help our Own Fund and Personal Services Unit to help us in times of financial and emotional need;
• AFSCME and DC 37 to advocate on our behalf nationally and locally on issues affecting government workers;
• the Local’s telephone bills and Internet service so members can keep in contact with their representatives and;
• the Local’s newsletter and other communication tools.

Thank you for your understanding.