What are dues?
Member dues are an investment in the future. A majority of dues stay in local unions and is used to support them administratively for local collective bargaining, organizing, and legal costs, as well as to assist in maintaining the day-to-day operations.

What does my dues cover?
Your dues covers the expenses of doing business; negotiating and enforcing contracts; expenses related to grievances, arbitration, and other legal fees; rent, supplies, and equipment; affiliation fees; salaries and expenses for full time representatives; printing, postage, and educational materials; labor board expenses; costs incurred in disputes; organization and negotiation expenses.

How much is the initiation fee to join the Union?
$300.00.

Is the initiation fee due in one payment?
No, it can be paid in three (3) equal installments of $100.00 each.

When is the initiation fee due?
The 1st payment of $100.00 is due on the 31st day from the date of hire, the 2nd payment of $100.00 is due 31 days from the first payment, and the 3rd payment of $100.00 is due 31 days from the second payment.  

Do temporary employees need to pay initiation fees?
No, unless they are hired as a permanent employee.

When is a temporary employee required to pay Work Permit fees?
Any temporary employee working 30 days or more is required to pay Work Permit fees.  The Permit fees are the minimum monthly working dues, which are currently $38.00 per month.

When is a member required to start paying dues?
A member who is hired between the 1st and 19th of the month will begin paying dues for that current month.  Anyone who is hired after the 19th of the month will begin paying dues the following month.

Are dues reduced for members who go on a leave of absence or disability?
Yes, a member who starts a leave of absence or disability leave between the 1st and 19th of the month is required to pay non-working dues at $28.00 per month.  A member who starts a leave of absence or disability after the 19th of the month is required to pay a full month’s dues. Please contact OPEIU Local 537 to alert us when you start or end a leave of absence.

What types of payments are accepted if I pay my dues myself?
We accept cash, check, or money order.  We do not presently accept credit cards, debit cards, nor ACH payments.

Click here to view 2019 Dues Schedule

If you have any further questions, please click here.