Membership
The Union only exists because of its members. The success, or failure, of the Union’s efforts is strongly connected to the number of members we have. The able and expert guidance and support we get from our National Office in Alexandria VA comes from our Union dues. Our ability to communicate through newsletters and the website comes from our Union dues. Our ability to afford arbitration comes from our Union dues.
* Membership in the Kentucky Long Rifle Chapter (ACT) – what it means
* Voting on Union officers
* Running for office
* Recruiting new Union members
* Important points
* Representation rights
* Benefits
* How to join the Union
* How to complete the SF-1187
* Membership list
Membership in the Kentucky Long Rifle Chapter – what it means
Membership in the Chapter entitles one to being a decision-maker for the Union, and gives employees a voice in speaking for all employees. The more members we have, the stronger our voice when addressing concerns or complaints with Management. The Kentucky Long Rifle Chapter is the exclusive representative of all bargaining unit employees. Only dues-paying Union members of the Chapter can vote – can choose – who the Union representatives will be. Only dues-paying Union members of the Chapter can run for office.
Recruiting new Union members
Recruiting is one of the most important jobs of the Union Steward. The more members we have, the stronger we are both in terms of resources and in terms of credibility and solidarity when speaking to Management.
Important points:
* Do NOT solicit Union members on government time;* Do NOT solicit Union members during the orientation presentation;
* Contact the Chapter President and Secretary-Treasurer well in advance of any
membership drives, as resources and materials can be provided to assist you.
Representation Rights
It is important to make prospective members aware that while the Union is obligated to treat members and non-members alike when administering the collective bargaining agreement (the contract), that is not true of other avenues of appeal. In other words, the Union may not discriminate against non-dues paying members when using the negotiated grievance procedure, but may choose to not represent non-dues paying members for other complaints or appeals.
Benefits
Although there are no significant private benefits available, the Chapter has plans to solicit vendors for benefits to provide to our membership. These benefits will be made available only to our dues-paying Union members, so it is important to make prospective members aware of this. Typical benefits that the Chapter will seek include optional dental insurance, vision insurance, travel discounts, scholarships, auto insurance discounts, and more. Check the Chapters website – click on the “Benefits” link on the left-hand side.
How to Join the Union
Employees who are interested in joining the Union should be asked to fill out the SF-1187 Form. Check with the Secretary-Treasurer and read the updates to see if the dues deduction amount has changed.