Union Dues and Fees: Understanding Your Obligations in California Construction
For construction workers in California, being part of a labor union can bring many benefits—better wages, safer working conditions, and job protections. However, joining a union also comes with financial obligations in the form of union dues and fees. Understanding these obligations is important, especially if you are new to unionized work or are considering joining a union.
What Are Union Dues?
Union dues are regular payments that members make to support the operations of their union. These funds help pay for things like contract negotiations, legal representation, training programs, and other services that unions provide to their members. Dues can be deducted automatically from your paycheck and are usually set as a percentage of your wages or a fixed monthly amount.
What Are Fees?
Fees can include initiation fees, which are one-time charges when you first join a union. There may also be special assessments for specific needs, such as a major legal battle or a new training program. These are generally approved by a vote among union members and are communicated clearly before being charged.
Union Membership and “Fair Share” Fees
In California, especially within the construction industry, most large job sites are covered by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between employers and unions. These agreements often require that workers either join the union or pay a “fair share” fee if they choose not to join. This fee is meant to cover the costs of representation, since the union must still represent all workers in the bargaining unit, not just members.
However, due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in the Janus v. AFSCME case, non-union public employees can no longer be required to pay fair share fees. It’s important to note, though, that this ruling applies to public-sector unions, not private-sector workers. Most construction workers in California work in the private sector, so this change may not apply to them. That’s why it’s important to understand your specific job site agreement and if your employer is union-signatory.
California-Specific Union Rules
In California, construction unions are especially active. Trades such as carpenters, electricians, and laborers have strong union representation through organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). California law supports union activities and labor rights. For example, the state has the “prevailing wage” law, which often requires public construction projects to pay union-level wages, even if the workforce is not unionized.
How to Stay Informed
- Ask your union representative or shop steward for details about dues and fees.
- Review your union’s constitution and bylaws. They usually outline dues amounts and how increases are handled.
- Check your pay stubs to ensure proper deductions and to stay aware of what you’re paying.
Conclusion
Union dues and fees are a part of being in a union, helping to support the services and protections it provides. As a construction worker in California, understanding your obligations is key to making informed decisions about your career. Talk to your union reps, ask questions, and know where your money is going—it’s part of being an empowered and informed union member.