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A Union’s money comes from members who pay monthly dues/fees (as well as assessments and fines levied by the union). In most cases, dues/fees are a percentage of an employee’s hourly pay. That may not sound like much, but it can add up to a substantial sum over the course of a year.
In addition, during collective bargaining, most unions seek to negotiate with the company in order to get a dues “Check-Off” clause. This is a contract clause that requires the Company to deduct your monthly union dues/fees from your paycheck before you are paid your wages. That way, the union makes sure it gets its money first. Since unions must negotiate for this clause, it is possible a union will negotiate away certain things that may be important to you in order to ensure the “check-off” clause is in the contract. Dues Check-Off is certainly advantageous to the union, but employees should consider how it may personally impact them.
What will your dues/fees amount be? How long will that amount be your required dues/fees before there is an increase? You might ask them to put this in writing.
How will the money be spent? By law, unions have to report how they spend their money every year. Don’t be afraid to ask. You deserve to see how your money would be spent and whether the union’s expenditures are reasonable.
