Frequently Asked Questions About Joining Oregon AFSCME
What is a union?
A union is a group of people coming together, using our combined strength to win improvements at work and in our communities. Oregon AFSCME is made up of over 39,000 workers in state, and local government, hospitals, behavioral health and social service nonprofits, and child care.
Over the past several years, thanks to strong membership our union has won double-digit wage increases, better health and retirement benefits, more paid time off and more say in the workplace at public and private job sites across the state.
When workers form unions, they gain the right to collectively bargain their wages, work conditions, and benefits. Without a union, management decisions are final. We deserve a voice as professionals.
What is a “local?”
Members at each employer have their own union - their local - that’s part of Oregon AFSCME. Each local has their own elected leaders who understand the unique issues facing you and your colleagues. For example, Local 328 represents workers at OHSU, Local 3336 represents Department of Environmental Quality workers and Local 3964 represents Josephine County workers.
Why should I become a member of my local?
When we survey Oregon AFSCME members, here is what they tell us are the top three reasons they join the union:
Better Pay: People at union worksites earn nearly 20% more than worksites without unions. Over the past several years, as more people have joined Oregon AFSCME, we have been able to win double-digit wage increases in many of our local unions. That’s the union difference and why we are one of the fastest-growing unions in the state.
Better Benefits: If you work in a job with good benefits, thank the union! Year after year we negotiate to improve or protect your health care, retirement, paid time off and other benefits. If your worksite is newer to the union and the benefits aren’t as good as they should be, join us so we have more power in the negotiations.
Better Workplaces: People are counting on you every day. You need to have a good workplace to do your job well. Good contracts can help with working hours, job security, wage bumps for special skills and many other issues that come up. Together, we negotiate for more respect and dignity on the job and to ensure that workers have a seat at the table so that our voices are heard.
How much are dues?
Elected leaders at each local establish the dues rate. It’s generally around 1.27% of your base pay. Overtime or other premium pay hours are exempted from dues. Dues are automatically deducted from your paycheck.
What do I have to do to join the union?
It’s simple! All you have to do is sign the card - online or on paper - for your worksite. https://www.join.oregonafscme.org/
Who can help if I have questions about my contract, my rights on the job, or if I have issues?
AFSCME has a Member Services Center with staff who can help. You can email them at MSC@OregonAFSCME.org or call 9-5 Monday-Friday at 1-844-758-6466.
They also have a live chat during regular business hours. Learn more https://www.msc.oregonafscme.org/
Will my dues go toward politics?
NO! Union dues do not go towards political campaigns. Your dues are used for the everyday operation of the union, including contract negotiations for better wages/benefits, member services, and administrative costs. Contributions to the PACs are completely voluntary and separate from your dues. You choose how much to donate, when to donate, and if you wish to donate at all.
Our union is a member-run organization, with political endorsements voted on by member-led committees, but only members can participate.
What are the benefits that come with paying union dues?
The more members we have, the more we are able to fight for you to have better pay, better benefits and better workplaces.
Only members can vote on the contract or engage in the bargaining process.
Members get special perks and assistance for themselves and their families, including scholarships for AFSCME members, their spouses and dependent children to help cover the cost of higher education, consumer assistance, extra insurance discounts and more. Here are some of the extra benefits for members.
As a dues-paying member, you are joining the overwhelming majority of your co-workers. Most people join the union because we know when we stand together, we are stronger. And work can be hard sometimes. No one should have to go it alone.
Should I sign up during trial service / probationary period?
Absolutely! The earlier you join the union, the sooner you can start enjoying the special perks that come with membership. And during your probation, you are covered by nearly all of the provisions of your local’s contract with one exception: if you are terminated during this time, you are not protected by the contract’s grievance and arbitration provisions.
Who makes up the union?
You and your coworkers. Unions are democratic organizations made up of workers united around a mission. Union members make decisions, negotiate contracts, represent each other, and advocate for their profession. As part of Oregon AFSCME, you join over 39,000 other workers across the state.
What other benefits are there to membership?
Member Benefits: Questions about your union benefits?
The Oregon AFSCME Member Services Center is here to help. Email them at MSC@OregonAFSCME.org, give them a call at 844-758-6466 or chat with them via our website at https://www.msc.oregonafscme.orgr.
What is bargaining and what can we negotiate?
We’ll elect a team of our coworkers who, together with professional Oregon AFSCME staff, will meet with management and negotiate our wages, benefits, and work conditions. We set our priorities together through conversations with our members, surveys and meetings beforehand. The more united we are, the better our contract. Negotiations are hard work, but well worth it.
Does being a union member mean we have to strike?
Workers strike only as a last resort and when it is authorized by a majority of the membership. Members vote on whether or not to take that action.. A strike is just one way to leverage an employer when they refuse to move on critical issues.
What’s AFSCME?
The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is a nationwide organization that supports workers in the government and nonprofit sectors. Oregon AFSCME is part of AFSCME International which represents 1.6 million workers across the country.
Member Action Team During Bargaining
Member Action Team (MAT): A network of employees who agree to communicate with their coworkers about bargaining and union issues.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who’s on the MAT? Individuals who have agreed to stay in touch with up to ten of their coworkers. A successful MAT member can communicate to their coworkers and then back to the MAT Coordinators or Bargaining Team members as issues arise.
What type of tasks might I be asked to do? You may be asked to distribute and collect bargaining surveys, do a quick, informal poll about a bargaining topic that the team needs instant feedback on, remind union members about a meeting, ask union members to wear a button, or any of a number of other actions or information items that come up as we bargain.
Who would I give my information or feedback to? We will have two to three MAT Coordinators who will be primary contacts to the MAT members. You may also be asked to provide information directly to Bargaining Team members depending on how quick a turnaround is needed.
How much time will this take? Nearly everything you will be asked to do will take a few minutes during your breaks or lunches, or may be accomplished before or after work. We will have occasional MAT strategy meetings which will be held either during lunch or directly after work, the group will decide.
Can I do this on work time? Typically not. While union members are covered by free speech laws and can talk about union issues during work hours as long as they don’t stop work to do so, these tasks should be done on your own time.
Why are we doing this? We recognize that information during bargaining is at a premium and the Bargaining Team typically does not have the time to communicate as thoroughly as they would like. We are setting up this structure in order to have the best communication in order to keep people informed and get the best contract possible.
Who do I talk to if I have more questions about MAT? Start with the person who approached you with this information. If you need to know more, contact your bargaining team or your AFSCME representative.