Won't we have to pay union dues?
Answer: Yes we will have to pay union dues. However, it is important to remember that dues will account for ~1% of gross annual pay (~$320 annually). Without a union and accounting for inflation, we have so far taken a ~$4,500 pay cut to our gross annual income. Thus even with paying dues, we will come out well ahead financially.
What are union dues used for?
Answer: Union dues are used for many things. Importantly, it is how legal representation can be hired. It enables the union to establish emergency funds for use in many different circumstances. These circumstances can include but are not limited to: legal representation for sexual harassment cases; childcare support; emergency financial support.
Are the benefits of a union worth paying dues?
Answer: Yes. Importantly, we can see benefits before we ever have to pay any union dues. Once we have formed a union we will negotiate with UCHC and then vote to either accept or reject a new contract of employment. Only after we accept the contract will we have to pay any dues. So WE choose the benefits.
Does the union really represent my interests?
Answer: Yes! Members of the bargaining committee are democratically appointed by YOU the members. Any contract made during the bargaining process must be voted for acceptance by union members before it becomes active.
What if I do not want to strike because of my experiments?
Answer: We will not have to strike. With the support of other UCHC-based unions and arbitration, all labor disputes can be settled and not interfere with your work/experiments.
What if professors cannot get students because of this?
Answer: This is an illogical fear as any increase to our salary or benefits is minor in comparison to the overall operating budget of a lab. Inflation impacts the cost of everything, it should impact the cost of labor.
Don't we already get yearly raises?
Answer: No
Do professors and post-docs get things like cost-of-living raises? Is that because of unions?
Answer: Yes & Yes
Ask your own question here or email uchc.geu@gmail.com