Union dues are a fee paid by union members to support the activities and services of their labor union. The amount of union dues is typically set by the union’s governing body and approved by the membership.
Union dues are used to pay for a variety of expenses, including:
Negotiating and enforcing the union contract: Union dues help pay for the negotiation and administration of the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the employer.
Representing members in grievances: Union dues help pay for the representation of members in disputes with their employer.
Providing legal and technical assistance: Union dues help pay for the legal and technical support that unions provide to their members.
Organizing and political activities: Union dues help pay for the union’s organizing and political activities, including lobbying for laws and regulations that benefit workers.
Operating costs: Union dues help pay for the day-to-day expenses of running the union, including salaries and office expenses.
Union dues are usually calculated as a percentage of the member’s earnings, although the exact amount can vary depending on the union and the jurisdiction in which the union operates. In general, union dues are a necessary expense for workers who want to be a part of a union and to receive the benefits and protections that come with union membership.
It’s important to note that union dues are not the same as the fees associated with joining a union. Joining Fee Management may be a one-time charge for new members, while union dues are an ongoing obligation for all members.