12 Things Every Union Member Should Know
Whether you’re a union rookie or a veteran of the labor movement, there are certain things you should know about your job, your rights and your benefits.
You should know:
1. Who your steward is:
Your steward is your first point of contact for union matters. A steward is a co-worker who is elected by other co-workers to be your representative in the workplace. Stewards are trained to act as your advocates. They ensure management follows the employee contract, and they help you with any worksite grievances.
2. What a grievance is:
Generally speaking, a grievance is the written process you follow if your employer violates your contract. The aim of the grievance is to resolve any such violations. Timeliness is critical. In some workplaces, employees have as little as five days to file a grievance after the violation occurs. If you believe your employer has violated your contract, contact your steward immediately.
3. Your contract/benefits:
Your contract is chockfull of useful information on retirement, sick leave, vacation, pay increases, benefits and other good stuff. Do you qualify for bilingual pay? When is your next raise? What kind of vision insurance do you have? Keeping a copy of your contract at your desk or work area makes finding answers as easy as flipping a page.
4. When your contract expires:
It’s important to know when your contract expires in order to prepare for upcoming negotiations. As a bargaining unit, you and your co-workers will decide which issues are most important to employees, and how to bargain effectively with management. The sooner you get a jump start on negotiations, the sooner you can reach agreement with management and take advantage of a renewed contract.
5. Your Weingarten Rights:
These are your rights under the U.S. Supreme Court to have representation with you at any meeting with management that could lead to disciplinary action or affect your work conditions. If you feel you’re in such a meeting, repeat this sentence: "If this discussion could lead in any way to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my union representative be present. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions. This is my right under the U.S. Supreme Court."
Next, contact your steward immediately. If your boss denies your request, don’t refuse to attend the meeting, but don’t answer any questions, either. Take notes and contact your steward afterward.
6. Paid Family Leave:
With the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program, you can get paid while taking time off from work to care for a loved one. If you’re eligible, you can receive anywhere from $50 to $882 per week, for up to six weeks, to care for an ill family member or bond with a newborn child. Paid Family Leave does not offer job protection. Information: 1-877-238-4373, or www.edd.ca.gov.
7. FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act):
The FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons. These reasons may include: caring for your newborn child, caring for a seriously ill family member or taking time to recover from a serious health condition. Information: Call the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243), or visit www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla.
8. FEHA:
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, request for family care leave, request for leave of an employee’s own serious health condition, request for pregnancy disability leave or retaliation for reporting patient abuse in tax-supported institutions. For information or to file a complaint, call the Department of Fair Employment and Housing at 1-800-884-1684, or visit www.dfeh.ca.gov.
9. Your Workplace Policy Manual:
Every work site is different. What’s OK in one place may be discouraged in another. Thumb through your policy manual for accurate information on dress codes, smoking policies, work expectations, e-mail/Internet usage and other guidelines. A little time researching can help avoid any misunderstandings.
10. Political issues that affect your job:
Let’s face it, what happens in politics greatly impacts our work conditions, our wages and our benefits, such as health care. The political landscape on all levels is constantly changing. New politicians and issues pop up continually. It’s true that knowledge is power, and it’s critical to stay abreast of – and be involved in – campaigns and issues that directly affect us at work.
11. Members-only Benefits:
Need an affordable dentist for you and your family? How about free or discounted legal service? Or maybe cheaper tickets to theme parks and sporting events? If you’re an official member of SEIU, there are various member only benefits available to you. Call your union office for a brochure, or check out the benefits here.
12. Your Web site:
Our aim is make our Web site a primary source of information about our union and your job. We’re in the process of updating our Web site to do just that. Already we’ve added video footage and photo slideshows. We also hired a Web designer to give us a fresh new look. So, for the latest information on negotiations, campaigns or benefits, click on www.seiu521.org, and stay tuned for more updates.