The real “golden ticket” is our contract!

You may have received a “golden ticket” in the mail describing all the money you’ll save if you drop your union membership. Anti-union organizations spend millions on fancy postcards, personalized emails, and phone calls trying to persuade you to leave. Are they really so concerned about your savings? Or do they know it costs a lot more to pay the decent salaries and good healthcare coverage won through union power? Why is it important to be a dues-paying member of CFA? Keep reading to find out! 

Make no mistake: the mission of these mailers is to destroy unions like our own. One group announced a target goal of stripping $1.2 billion from public sector unions through opt-out campaigns. They know that without worker dues, we can’t pay for world-class field reps, support striking workers, send our bargaining team to the table, and organize for real raises, parental leave, and academic freedom. Membership also supports efforts to secure state funding for the CSU and sponsor legislation for better learning and working conditions.Contrary to what these campaigns claim, paying membership dues is essential to receiving the pay, benefits, and protections unionized workers are known for winning.

But when it comes to membership, it’s not just about the dues money. Membership numbers show management we are united and demand that we be taken seriously at the bargaining table. Your membership helps improve workplace conditions for the 29,000 lecturers, professors, coaches, counselors, and librarians who make up our union. 

They want to dismantle our solidarity by having us focus on the interim costs of membership rather than considering the real salary gains we could achieve through a strong contract when we are all members. We know that your money is buying less and less these days. That’s why we cap union dues at 1.35% of your gross pay. This amount is not insignificant, but it pales in comparison to the 10%+ salary increases we’ve secured in recent years. 

Unions have always been one of the strongest forces against fascism, income inequality, and corporate control. That’s why they’ll spend millions attacking us. Don’t let them win. Don’t opt out! Because your key to employment success is through the union!

There’s never been a more important time to be a proud dues-paying member of CFA!

You Belong – Union Strong