How Much Are Union Dues?

Union Dues are set at 2.5 times your hourly rate plus $1.00 for every month that you work.  For employees forming a Union for the first time, no dues are charged until you have a ratified contract.  When you have that contract in your hand, and are ready to vote, that is when you decide whether the dues charged are worth it or not.

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What Are Union Dues For?

Union dues are collected to support the union’s operations and to represent the interests of its members. The main uses for union dues commonly include:

• Collective Bargaining: Covering costs related to negotiating contracts with employers, legal representation, and arbitration processes.

• Member Services: Providing benefits such as job training, career development, and grievance support.

• Union Administration: Paying for staff salaries, office expenses, and day-to-day administration to keep the union functioning.

• Advocacy and Campaigns: Supporting lobbying efforts, community initiatives, and public relations to advance workers’ rights and improve conditions.

• Events and Communication: Financing conferences, meetings, newsletters, and educational campaigns that keep members informed and engaged.

Ultimately, the dues ensure that the union remains effective in advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and supportive benefits for its members.

Union dues are an investment in collective strength and support. While the exact amount can vary, every member’s contribution helps fund the work required to protect, inform, and empower workers within their industry or organization. If you have questions about your dues—how they’re calculated or how they’re spent—your union’s leadership will be able to provide clear and specific answers.