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Fair Share FAQs
...Why Wasn't I Told I Was Accepting a Union-Represented Position?
...Don't You Think I Should Have Been Told Before I Agreed to Take the Job?
...But When I Began Working in Unit 4, There Was No Union. How Was It Unionized?
...How Much Is the Fair Share Fee?
...How Does the Fair Share Fee Compare with Membership Dues?
...Doesn't APC Send Me a Fair Share Packet Every Year?
..."Fair Share Cycle," What's That?
...What's In the Fair Share Packet ?
...If the Notices Come from APC, Why are they Mailed by the State Controller's Office?
...What Address Is Used for Mailing the Fair Share Fee Notices?
...Who Pays for the Production and Mailing of the Fair Share Packets?
...What Do I Get in Return for Paying My Fair Share?
If I'm Not a Union Member,
Why Am I Required to Pay a Fair Share Fee?
According to California State Law, each bargaining
unit in the CSU is represented by a union, elected by all employees
in the unit, which is charged with the responsibility for representing
every unit member in all contract matters. Unions require funding
to fulfill this legal responsibility effectively, and State Law
therefore provides for financial support of each union's activities
by each and every employee of the bargaining unit.
Why Wasn't I Told
I Was Accepting a Union-Represented Position?
Unfortunately, to date the CSU has refused
to provide this kind of information to candidates for positions
in bargaining units. The CSU has also refused to collaborate with
APC in providing an orientation packet to new employees that includes
information on union representation, fair share, etc.
However, APC has worked with the State Controller's Office to ensure that each new employee receives a copy of the Union's extensive fair share disclosure within about a month of the employee's date of hire. That disclosure includes information on union representation.
Don't You Think
I Should Have Been Told Before I Agreed to Take the Job?
Yes, we do. This is one of the many areas
in which APC and the CSU strongly disagree.
But When I Began
Working in Unit 4, There Was No Union. How Was It Unionized?
Pursuant to California State Law, an election
was held in the early 1980s in which all members of Unit 4 were
given the opportunity to elect a union of their choice to represent
them. Unit 4 elected the Academic Professionals of California
to be their union.
How Much Is the Fair Share Fee?
The full fair share fee is 1% of monthly gross pay each pay period. However, some employees object to paying fees for Union activities not directly related to contract negotiation and enforcement. For the pay periods April 2008 through March 2009, these objectors (employees who have submitted their timely written "objections" to APC) will pay .90% of their monthly gross pay, referred to as the "reduced fair share fee." This percentage represents that portion of the Union's budget (90%) spent the previous year on activities directly related to contract negotiation and enforcement.
How Does the Fair Share Fee Compare with Membership Dues?
There's no difference. That is, if you’re paying your full fair share right now, you’re paying 1% of your monthly gross income—and if you join APC, you’ll be paying the same amount, 1%. The only thing that will change on your pay warrant is the deduction name (“DUES-APC” rather than “FS-APC”).
But what if you’re paying the reduced fair share amount because you object to paying costs not directly associated with negotiating and enforcing our contract? The very small difference joining would make in your payroll deduction is best explained through an example. During the upcoming fair share cycle (April 2006 through March 2007), the reduced fair share fee for objectors will be 0.90% of monthly gross. (See the Fair Share Fee Notice for an explanation of how this amount is determined.) If your monthly gross salary is $3500, your reduced fair share fee would be $30.10 (0.90%) a month. APC dues would be $35.00 (1.0%) a month. The monetary difference for the objector? Just $4.90 a month.
Doesn't APC Send Me a Fair Share Packet Every Year?
Yes, if you still have not joined APC. These packets are sent to non-members each year at the end of February or the beginning of March. (New employees receive a packet when they begin employment in Unit 4.)
The packets for the 2008-2009 fair share cycle will be mailed by the State Controller's Office in late February 2008.
"Fair Share Cycle," What's That?
APC's annual fair share cycle runs from the April through March pay periods of each year. Fair share fee notices (or "packets") are sent out prior to the beginning of each cycle.
What's
In the Fair Share Packet?
APC's fair share fee notice itself is a booklet
found in the right pocket of the folder. Included in the left pocket
are a bargaining priorites survey for you to complete and mail
to APC, a contact list of stewards and APC Executive Board members, and a membership
application (which also includes some basic information on APC).
To join, simply complete and mail the application to APC's Statewide Office. For more information on applying for membership, or to access an online application form, see our FAQs on Membership.
If the Notices Come from APC, Why Are They Mailed by the State Controller's Office?
Because the CSU won't share its Unit 4
mailing list with the unit's Union (APC). The
"fair share packets" are therefore delivered by APC to the State Controller's Office in Sacramento, and they are then addressed and mailed to individual employees by the SCO.
What Address Is Used for Mailing the Fair Share Fee Notices?
The SCO uses the mailing address currently on record at the CSU for each Unit 4 employee who is not currently a member of APC. Employees should keep their addresses current with the CSU to avoid missing this important mailing.
Who Pays for the Production and Mailing of the Fair Share Packets?
APC. And yes, the annual production and mailing of these notices does cost APC money that otherwise could be spent on contract negotiation and enforcement. But since we are required by law to provide these annual notices to every Unit 4 employee who has not joined APC, the only way to avoid the cost is for fair share fee payers to become dues-paying members. By joining APC, you can help your Union trim fair share costs and invest more of your money in contract negotiation and enforcement. And any full fair share fee payer can become a member of APC at no extra cost! So stop paying fair share fees—join APC today!
What Do I Get
in Return for Paying My Fair Share Fee?
The Union represents each and every Unit 4
employee, and we take that responsibility seriously. We always stand
firmly on principle, and we speak with a collective integrity that
has won us powerful allies in our struggle to represent ourselves
effectively and to work toward a fair and just working environment
for all.
We continue to build a strong communications program to keep employees well informed of current union news and developments throughout the CSU. This program includes email alerts on developing issues; annual financial reports; a fair share disclosure packet that makes our fair share program one of the most thoroughly disclosed in California; APC's website; and much more.
APC provides stewards at your campus who have volunteered to support and represent you in a variety of workplace situations.
We're building coalitions with other unions to increase the collective strength of employees in the CSU. And our growing participation in California's political arena is increasing awareness among legislative leaders of issues important to all Unit 4 employees.
Though APC must rely heavily on the hard work of volunteer Unit 4 employees, a small professional staff provides important support for our countless activities, including contract negotiations/enforcement, administrative/membership services, publications, and technical support.
And of course we negotiate, publish, distribute and enforce our contract with the CSU. In 2007, APC spent over 90% of its budget on activities directly related to contract negotiation and administration.
BUT—You could get even more as a member! For not a penny more, full fair share fee payers can convert to being members. Get more information on the rights and benefits of membership.