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Facts (you can check!) Safe environment Respect Open mind Informed decision Your commitment to each other

WHO: XXXX local XX WHERE: location here WHAT: NLRB election WHEN: Day & Date here SECRET BALLOT WHY?

*Only members can vote on Contracts Strikes Stewards & officers Every union member* must follow the union’s constitution and local bylaws. A union’s constitution spells out  The powers of union officials  Rules all members must follow  How decisions are really made 40 pages!

ARTICLE 25 – DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS (A) Every member of this International Union agrees, in consideration of the rights and benefits conferred pursuant to the terms of this Constitution, to comply with the duties and obligations stated in this Article and that termination of membership shall not terminate liability for violations of such duties and obligations occurring during the period of his or her membership. ARTICLE 25 – DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS (A) Every member of this International Union agrees, in consideration of the rights and benefits conferred pursuant to the terms of this Constitution, to comply with the duties and obligations stated in this Article and that termination of membership shall not terminate liability for violations of such duties and obligations occurring during the period of his or her membership. Members required “to comply with the duties and obligations” of the UFCW constitution and bylaws. UFCW members may also be tried for violations of local bylaws. You can’t “interfere” with a representative or officer of the International or a Local union

As a union member you can be put on trial by your union. Article 25 – Section C “Any member may be charged, tried, and disciplined for violation of any of the above offenses, or for offenses set forth in the Local Union bylaws.” Article 25 – Section C “Any member may be charged, tried, and disciplined for violation of any of the above offenses, or for offenses set forth in the Local Union bylaws.” Article 25(B)1-4 Violating Constitution or Bylaws Trying to get rid of the union “Interfering” with union officials “Conduct in violation of the responsibility of members toward the union as an institution” In the UFCW you can be put on trial for

Unions fine members for violating union rules. If you refuse to pay fines the union can Dock your pay Take you to court Demand you lose your job

You must pay union dues, assessments, fees, and fines or lose your job.

2. No Local Union may provide for monthly dues for any member which are less than two times the current per capita tax of the International Union, unless otherwise approved by the International Executive Board. Article 38, Section (A)2. 1. Your local union dues could be higher 2. Unions want dues deducted directly from your paycheck. 3. Dues can go up at any time without your consent UFCW minimum dues = $15.00 of your pay per month

For political campaigns To cover shortages The union can also levy “special assessments” at any time. To pay for strikes or drives (G) However, all financial obligations imposed by or under this Constitution and Local Union bylaws (and in conformity therewith) shall be legal obligations of the members upon whom imposed and shall be enforceable in a court of law. Article 38 Section (G) For any reason Even if you vote against it Even if you don’t want to pay UFCW members are legally obligated to pay all assessments.

But isn’t the union a democracy ruled by its members? United Food & Commercial Workers President: Marc Perrone UFCW.org In the United Food and Commercial Workers the International President: Interprets the constitution and approves all bylaws Can remove any elected local official Has the last word on all contracts and strikes Members have little direct control over union decisions.

Did the organizer offer you a copy of the union’s rules before you signed a card? Why not?

Read Talk Union’s constitution & bylaws Ask family and friends if they ever regretted not reading the fine print What type of things could I be put on trial or fined for by the union? What if I can’t afford to pay my dues, assessments or fines? Will the union have me fired or take me to court? Challenge

In right to work states you cannot be forced to pay dues, fees, fines or assessments as a condition of employment. If you do join the union in a right to work state you still pay dues, and are subject to union rules, fees, fines assessments. Even if you choose not to join the union, non- members must: Follow the union contract Allow union leaders to settle any disputes you have (whether you agree or not) Are not allowed to run for union office Cannot vote on your contract Will be put under pressure to join Also remember, if you don’t join the union, you: