As this edition went to press, the U.S. Supreme Court was slated to hear oral arguments in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31.
The case could overturn 40 years of legal precedent and create a class of ‘free riders,’ or people who benefit from the contract negotiations that CSEA provides while paying nothing. Because the court has a 5-4 conservative majority, it is expected to rule against unions.
Dropping union membership may sound like a savings, but the harm it could bring you and your family could far outweigh the initial benefit to your wallet.
If enough people decide not to be union members, your union will cease to exist at your workplace.
What does that mean? Valuable gains such as negotiated salary increases, health insurance plans, workplace protections, leave time and more would disappear, as there is no longer a union to negotiate a contract. Then there would be nothing to prevent your employer from doubling or even tripling your health insurance contributions, nor would there be any guarantee to future raises.
Your union contract allows you the freedom to earn a fair return on your work. It also guarantees you the freedom to take care of important off-the-job issues, such as caring for a sick parent or child.
Unions are also key in ensuring that your employer is doing everything possible to keep you safe on the job, including providing the proper training and equipment. Unions monitor employers closely to make sure they are following state and federal safety standards. Without your union, your safety at work could be at risk.
If your employer takes action against you in an unfair way, or a way that violates the contract, your union guarantees representation to stand beside you and protect your rights.
CSEA members also enjoy benefits like supplemental insurance, home and auto insurance at a reduced rate. In addition, all CSEA members are protected by a $10,000 accidental death benefit at no extra cost. CSEA members can also save money on home expenses, vacations and much more.
By remaining a full member of CSEA, you protect those rights from disappearing.
Stay union, stay strong.
— Mathew L. Cantore
