 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Copyright © 2008 United Mine Workers of America |
| Frequently Asked Questions Below is a list of typical questions and answers Q: How much are Union dues? A: Union dues are based upon the lowest hourly wage rate negotiated in your contract, times 3 each month. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Do we pay dues while the company and the union are negotiating a contract? A: No. Only after the contract is reached and approved by the members do you start paying dues. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Do we pay initiation fees? A: No. The International President has waived all initiation fees for newly organized operations. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Who negotiates our contract? A: Your contract will be negotiated by a negotiating committee, elected by you, along with an International and/or District Representative. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Does the employer have to negotiate with the Union? A: The employer has a duty under Section 8 (a) (5) of the National Labor Relations Act to bargain in good faith. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Will we lose any of our wages or benefits while we are negotiating our contract? A: The employer cannot make any unilateral changes in wages, hours or working conditions without first bargaining with the union. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Who decides what goes into our contract? A: You, the member will decide what goes into your contract. Bargaining surveys will be conducted to seek your input upon the terms and conditions that you, the members, would want in the contract. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Will the company be able to change the contract anytime they want to, like they do in their policy manual? A: No. Once the contract is voted on and approved by the members the contract is a binding, legal document that both management and the union have to abide by. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Will we get a pay raise if we vote the Union in? A: This will be part of the negotiations, but the United Mine Workers has never negotiated a contract that didn't have regular wage increases in it. __________________________________________________________________________ Q: Can the Union raise dues anytime they want? A: No. Under the UMWA Constitution dues can only increase when wages increase. When the lowest hourly wage rate in your contract increases your dues will increase since they are based upon that wage rate. ___________________________________________________________________________ Q: Do we have to go on strike if the Union is voted in? A: No. The UMWA doesn't force you to strike. A strike is a decision voted on by you and your co-workers. If the overwhelming majority of you do not want to strike there won't be one. 99% of all UMWA contracts are settled without strikes ___________________________________________________________________________ Have a specific question you would like answered? Click Here To Submit A Question |
United We Bargain:
Get Involved & Know Your Rights
Get Involved & Know Your Rights