Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/72909
NOTICE OF SAG-AFTRA'S POLICY ON NON-MEMBER FEE PAYERS & DUES OBJECTIONS The following is SAG-AFTRA's policy concerning non-member fee payers and dues objections. This policy came about as a result of decisions of the United States Supreme Court. Employees who work under SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements containing union security clauses are required, as a condition of employment, to either become members of SAG-AFTRA or to pay dues and initiation fees to SAG-AFTRA as non-member fee payers. Such provisions are applicable in most states, including California and New York, but are not applicable with regard to work performed in other states where it is not obligatory for an individual to either join SAG-AFTRA, or to pay those fees described in this Notice as a condition of performing work in those states. A person who works under a collective bargaining agreement containing a union security provision in a state where such provisions are applicable who elects not to be a member of SAG-AFTRA but instead pay dues and initiation fees as a non-member fee payer, must still SAG-AFTRA'S DUES OBJECTION POLICY "Chargeable" expenditures include, but are not limited to, expenses related to the following: negotiations with employers; enforcing collective bargaining agreements; informal meetings with employer representatives; member and staff committee meetings concerned with matters relating to employment practices and/or collective bargaining provisions; discussion of work-related issues with employers; handling employees' work-related problems through grievance and arbitration procedures, administrative agencies or informal meetings; advocacy on work-related issues before administrative, judicial, and legislative bodies; union administration, litigation and publications relating to any of the above. Among the expenditures currently treated as "non-chargeable," which non-member objectors are not required to support, are those spent for community services; certain lobbying or other advocacy; cost of affiliation with certain outside organizations; and members-only benefits. Any non-member fee payer who desires to pay only the proportion of fees that are "chargeable" pursuant to this policy must notify SAG- AFTRA in a signed writing that he or she does not desire to pay the full amount of SAG-AFTRA fees. SAG-AFTRA will, at the end of each fiscal year and with the assistance of an independent auditor, determine which expenses for the fiscal year are chargeable and non-chargeable. The categories of expenditures used in determining which expenses are chargeable and non-chargeable, based on the opinion of legal counsel, and a summary of the most recent audit of such expenditures by an independent accounting firm are available upon request. Non-member fee payers will have the option of challenging the calculation of the reduced dues before an impartial arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association, and the disputed portion of dues will be held in an interest-bearing, separate escrow account pending the arbitration decision. All such challenges must be in writing, signed by the challenger, and received by the Union by December 31 for a challenge to the prior fiscal year ending April 30. SAG-AFTRA will consolidate all objections in any given year in one arbitration proceeding to be held in or about the month of February. Any individual who chooses to pay dues and initiation fees as a non-member fee payer is not a member of the Union and has no rights of membership. pay to the Union their fair share of Union dues that are categorized as chargeable, for the cost of administration, negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, though they have the right to object to the expenditure of their fees on certain activities or projects that are incurred in connection with political, social or ideological matters and are therefore "non-chargeable," or not germane to representational activities. The proportionate reduction in dues for objecting non-members is expected to be equal to approximately 2% of full dues and fees. Any individual who chooses to pay such fees rather than joining SAG-AFTRA is not a member of SAG-AFTRA and has no rights of membership. When considering this option, SAG-AFTRA-represented individuals should be aware that the union security clause contained in their collective bargaining agreement was negotiated and ratified by their fellow employees and is intended to ensure that all those who benefit from the collective bargaining process share in its cost. Before choosing to forgo union membership, employees should consider that the collective bargaining agreement establishes important standards for minimum wages and other critical working conditions. Further, employees should consider the many benefits of union membership that are not available to non-union dues payers. These valuable benefits of membership include the right to attend and participate in union meetings and to serve on union committees; the right to participate in the formulation of collective bargaining demands and to vote on union contracts and in strike votes; the right to nominate and vote for candidates for union office; the right to run for union office; the right to participate in screenings, awards programs, casting workshops, personal service agreement workshops and other professional seminars; the right to invoke the SAG-AFTRA name in resumes and individual promotional materials, and eligibility for supplemental benefit and discount programs. Is proud to support SAG-AFTRA, One Union. to AFTRA Foundation on its 15 years of excellence, as well as the following AMEE Award Winners: Congratulations Phylicia Rashad AMEE Award in Entertainment AMEE Award in Sound Recordings Rosanne Cash AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union notes with sadness the passing of Pete Fornatale 62 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2012 | SAGAFTRA.org