Q: Will I have money deducted from my paycheck to pay union dues?
A. Under Oregon law all represented employees in a union’s bargaining unit are required to provide financial support to the union. Dues-paying members of the Union have union dues deducted from their monthly paycheck. Non-dues-paying employees in the Union’s bargaining unit are legally obligated to pay a “fair share fee.” The employer, in this case the University, has a contractual obligation to collect those dues and fees for the Union. Collection of dues and fees is scheduled to begin with the November 30, 2013 paycheck.
Q: If I am not a dues-paying member of the Union, how do I find out about the fair share fee and my rights?
A. Members of the bargaining unit who have paid fair share fees in lieu of dues have the right to request in writing a copy of the Union’s policies and procedures regarding fair share fees, including information on possible rebates in accordance with law.
Q: Do I have to pay if I have religious objections to belonging to a union?
A. Employees in the Union’s bargaining unit who are members of a church or religious body may, consistent with bona fide religious tenets or teachings, object to the deduction of Union dues or fair share fees from their paycheck. Religious objectors must pay an amount of money equivalent to regular union dues to a nonreligious charity, or to another charitable organization mutually agreed upon by the employee and the Union, in accordance with the applicable procedures in ORS 243.666. These employees are required to furnish written proof to the Union and the University that the payments have been made.
Q: Who sets the union rates and when can they change?
A. The Union sets the “Members” dues rate and the “Fair Share” fee rate. It is required to notify the University at least 60 calendar days in advance of any changes to these rates.
Q: Can Union members have Political Action contributions deducted from their paychecks?
A. Upon written request from a bargaining unit faculty member on an approved form provided by the Union, bargaining unit faculty members may have Political Action contributions deducted from their paychecks. To cancel the authorization, the bargaining unit faculty member must give written notice to the University or leave University employment. The bargaining unit faculty member is also required to provide a copy of any cancellation notice to the Union. If a bargaining unit member leaves and returns to University employment a new authorization is required.
Q: Will the University collect any other money for the Union?
A. No. The Union is responsible for collecting any Union fines, penalties, or special assessments from bargaining unit faculty members. The University will only collect union dues and fair share fees as authorized by the Union.
