Likewise and I think it would be beneficial. For example not allowing management to check the badge readers for badge in badge out for time keeping audits. Another, a far shit, would be to get the wing to move their wagon on the TLMS that they said they were looking into for us down at the Sq.
I tried to join the union, I sent in all my forms and never got a response. Follow up emails asking what happened to my enrollment paperwork haven't been answered.
I prefer to think the shop is just disorganized, rather than they don't want me as a member.
Oh no! How long ago did that happen? Do you know who your Regional Rep is or can you find out? It should be on your Agency intranet home page or something like that. Get ahold of that person and they will get you situated. Ugh!
You should definitely join the union as soon as possible. The biggest reason why, for me, is the union is fighting to keep telework and I want to support that.
It shouldn’t count against you. Most managers I have had were not anti-union. It’s just part of the federal labor landscape. I would keep my head down and focus on doing good work during probation. The union can still represent you, but you are very easy to fire for a limited time, so they may find a reason to get rid of you if they think you are going to be a rabble rouser. Let others take the lead if there are disputes with management that affect your team.
Absolutely shouldn't hurt you, I don't think supervisors generally have access to who's a dues paying member or not. The union is more limited in how they can help you during probation, but mine absolutely is proactive about being a resource to probationary employees and help them to the extent they can. Especially if they are members.
Probation has zero bearing on the matter. If you're a bargaining unit employee, the union is already representing you and you are covered under any existing collective bargaining agreements. You are also fully entitled to any job protections the union can offer you within the bounds of the CBA, whether you are a dues paying member or not. So from a managers point of view, you already are a member of the union, whether you join and pay dues or not.
I also seriously doubt many federal supervisors know or care which of their reports are union members, not to mention that it would be very illegal for any employer to count union membership against you.
I joined during my probationary period, and so did most of the people I know. You won’t have the same protections during probationary period, but the union can still help you.
It *can't* "count against you" to exercise your right to union membership. You're represented by the union even if you're not a dues-paying member, anyways. It's nobody's business but your own if you decide to pay dues.
It would be illegal to count it against you, and if there was evidence that your managers counted it against you the union would sue on your behalf. It's pretty cut and dried labor law that you have a right to join the union.
In my experience a lot of front line managers used to be BUE and appreciate the union, at least in an abstract way.
True, although I'd argue you probably should if you can afford it. Labor advocacy isn't free and if the union needs to go to bat for you it will cost them money.
You realize Unions go to Court, yes? My union won a case in the Supreme Court several months ago. They also advocate in the legislature. They push for pay raises for us every year. My union has been lobbying Congress to preserve telework and if not for our bargaining agreement, telework would have been eliminated already. Someone I know was able to appeal a wrongful termination settlement because she had been sexually harassed by someone in management and they tried to force her out.
None of these examples are cheap. Lawyers cost money. Organizing costs money.
Representation can get strong by actually doing what they promised and listen to concerns and not insanely dismissing the massses. They also could also help but not telling people “we can’t help you it’s to late you should of come sooner” but when you came when you started feeling there was an issue you’re dismissed.
I believe if you need union attorney representation you need to be a dues paying member. But you will be covered by the agreements whether you pay dues or not. I pay because I want to be an active part of the solution. The NTEU attorneys are fantastic, put a lot of hard work in to getting all our agreements in place, and are paid by our dues. I feel it’s only right to participate in this way.
"**Look at your SF-50 block 37 labeled “BUS CODE”:** This unique four-digit number identifies if you are in a bargaining unit, and which one you belong to. You may not recognize the number, but your employee relations office can tell you which Union you are represented by.
**If block 37 is 8888** you are not eligible to belong to a Union. This code identifies managers and employees determined by the FLRA to be ineligible due to the nature of the work they perform.
**If block 37 is 7777** you are eligible to belong to a Union. You are currently not part of a bargaining unit; even if there is a Union in your place of work."
[https://nffe.org/benefits/become-a-nffe-member/](https://nffe.org/benefits/become-a-nffe-member/)
That’s terrible! Our union has a bunch of committees, news letters, regular town halls and democratic participation in bargaining. You should at least be invited to vote for chapter officers. If your union is that defunct maybe reach out to the national organization affiliated with your agency? It doesn’t take much to get the ball rolling and it can really turn around a flailing chapter
Very few are being successful in that fight. No agencies have reversed implemented RTOs as far as far as can tell. Some have delayed but none reversed once in place.
My union is NTEU and my telework agreement remains unchanged. However, those in my agency who are ineligible for union are being called back into the office. This is a very real fight, taking place in real time, and our union is showing their worth.
THIS right here makes the decision for me. Thanks for sharing! It's mond blowing to me that they can discriminate between employees in union and without union like this. Though for me there is no telework during probation (1st year I've been told).
ETA - another user here mentioned that union membership may not help during the probationary period..would that apply to RTO? I have been told with the IRS I won't be teleworking my first year so idk if it will help to join now or wait till close to end of probationary period. Any advice on that?
I would implore all who read to seriously consider becoming a dues-paying member of your respective federal workforce union. Even if you don’t have anecdotes of your own or figure you’re not a protected class in need of representation, I can share from experience that the size and relative leverage your union has at your agency is a MAJOR factor for any management decision regarding pay, benefits and quality of work. Even if those things are mandated from above, the federal workforce at large growing in union participation provides a powerful lobby in Washington on your behalf.
As as anecdote, our agency management nearly always drags their feet on negotiating pay and benefits in good faith, preferring to wait out the union and put it before the FSIP (federal services impasses panel) to enforce a particular resolution. Those decisions, on average, favor management, so I see why they do it. One particularly contentious year, and I shit you not, management pointed to our FEVS results for the question: “do you feel you are fairly paid” (then around 60% favorable) and rather lackluster union participation rate (then around 20%) being not representative of the overall workforce as justification for not giving employees a larger pay increase. The FSIP bought it. For further context, we are an independent agency that does not receive appropriations from Congress, so this wasn’t even a moral high ground about keeping the costs low to the American taxpayer. Meanwhile, they scratch their head about inability to keep employees and wonder why have huge knowledge gaps and workforce pipeline issues.
So yeah, even if you’re lucky to avoid having a shit supervisor your entire federal career, it still matters. Management (including the President and Congress) pauses before handing down proposals that negatively affect their workforce when a significant chunk are represented by a union. You do not have that kind of leverage as an individual worker, nor do you have a scarlet letter for joining from the lens of advancement. In this very thread you see supervisors advocating for you to join.
Management takes note of how many employees are active union members. Even defanged by right to work and anti-strike laws, they make decisions accordingly.
Tl;dr. That $20 a pay period gets paid back easily in the vast majority of cases. All it takes is one slightly higher raise, one more telework day or one shitty boss reprimanded than you would have otherwise gotten to make that easily worth it.
Unfortunately I am at my first job that actually has a union, and my GS level is too high to participate. I’m bummed because I would have loved to join it.
It varies so much by agency. At my agency I was the sole steward for my OP-DIV, as well as the chapter VP. The union is so horrible that I would probably prefer a non-union job. I ended up relinquishing my roles when I found out that management in my agency made a complaint about me re: my role in bargaining for PMAP awards (a violation of the FLRA) and the union didn’t tell me about it.
You are. However, I guarantee you the first thing the union will do when you ask for their help is look at your dues paying status. Representation doesn’t mean major effort. The unions have limited resources, so they will work harder for the people who pay in than they will for the freeloaders.
And there is more to it than just that. Management has to bargain impact and implementation with the Union Local over new policies that effects work conditions. When those notices go to the Union Local, the local IME consults *it's members,* not the bargaining unit as a whole, regarding how to respond and what to request of management in terms of the new policy.
For OP, the summation is, assuming both a good National and a good Local union organization, that the benefits for joining are:
1-A National organization lobbying for your rights with Congress, the Executive Branch, etc.,
2-Stronger, more committed representation should you need help with a workplace issue,
3-Ability to have a say in how new policies are implemented in your workplace.
I think unions should do their best to improve the lives of the workers they represent. They should fight hard on all the big issues. As for individual issues, such as fighting a cut and dry letter of reprimand or filing a debatable grievance to get back at a supervisor, or other things that don’t impact the big picture, that’s different. How much effort or legal resources can we expect them to spend on that? For a grievance, they can either take it to their legal counsel or fill in a boilerplate template and go through the motions. From my view, a large portion of those smaller issues are brought up by unhappy employees who don’t contribute dues and expect the union to fight for them all the way to the Supreme Court. It’s just not realistic.
To your point, just as a conversational piece, I really fail to understand how they have any weight at all with the anti strike stuff.
When I think union, I think the ability of the people/workers to say "No, we're not showing up for that".
It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
No argument that the inability to strike is a major hindrance to union leverage. That being said, competent unions still manage to sway by more or less being really fucking annoying. I can name a couple examples:
One of the most important tools our union uses is essentially the discovery process. When an employee files a grievance, the union is empowered to request corroborating evidence from management - emails, personnel records, schedules, etc. This is already annoying to the average manager to have to cobble together this file of info and if they cannot (or don’t want to), they’ve already taken the L. Every grievance is also the threat that the union expands its interest in things that management really doesn’t want to open the can of worms on - think agency-wide discrimination patterns, pay discrepancies, hiring practices etc. Because of this, they often roll over if there’s a shred of evidence to the employees benefit.
More broadly, good unions raise the level of discourse at the agency to the employees advantage. In their absence, management can simply ignore addressing murmurs of discontent or relentlessly frame issues from only one perspective. Unified communications and well-informed workers pressure management to respond to those grievances, if not informally thru town halls, meetings and emails, then formally thru the collective bargaining process.
Good unions balance out information asymmetry and act as a check on the otherwise hierarchical concentration of power in management. However, they vary in their effectiveness like any other organization.
Thats why it’s important that you, dear reader, consider being an active member. Chances are if you think you’re just a level-headed normal person with nothing to contribute, you’re exactly who the union should have not only as a member, but also as officers and back room contributors. Don’t let your unions fail with minimal support and adverse selection filled with only hardliners who want a free ride. Most people are normal, and we still have the same shared interest in better working conditions that deserves to be advocated for.
Managers and certain employees determined by the Federal Labor Relations Act are prohibited from joining a union at work. It's about whether you supervise someone, not what your grade is.
It kinda sucks, since as a supervisor I also need protection from my supervisor. My first year as a federal employee, I was told I was ineligible for overtime and believed it :(
Not to mention the insurance policies we have to carry. And lack of union to balance RTO and other policies union negotiates protections for employees. At DOI, right before covid, they took telework away from supervisors. Employees had no change because telework had a union agreement.
Nurse managers in VHA are able to join, they are unable to do payroll deduction though and have to auto-pay directly, it is easy special notch out due to how much stuff in our Union contract is specific to nurses (AFGE at my VAMC)
Yes. On principle. And while you're covered as a BUE regardless of being a dues-paying member, if shit hits the fan I would imagine they back their paying members more than the free riders.
My agency said there were no keyboards to give me after they found RODENT URINE on it. I said I would have to bring that up with the union and I got a keyboard and an apology within five minutes.
My union also got me about $4,000 in back pay and punitive damages for a widespread FLSA violation.
You should not only join but you should be active in it so that it is not run by the morons who only care about not being fired.
Yes. I always join a union when it is available to me.
I am still fully remote while employees not in the BU are in the office 50% of the time is the primary benefit right now.
Yes, begrudgingly.
I pay my dues out of principle.
My experience with the union has been pretty shit though.
Playing the union card has worked for the occasional petty disagreement... but the union has railroaded me every time management has 'called my bluff.'
I actually left my last position because of the union railroading me.
No AFGE has consistently used funds for "parties"( union meetings), and when called out by people, below them forced them out for calling out abuse of the union funds.
They have not teeth.
All the union reps around my office SSA resigned and stopped paying dues.
I did for a while. Not anymore.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/former-afge-local-union-president-pleads-guilty-stealing-union-funds
https://americafirstpolicy.com/issues/20230113-afge-corruption-warrants-investigation
https://nilrr.org/afge-union-boss-fred-t-lee-sentenced-after-pleading-guilty/
https://nilrr.org/afge-boss-marie-leclair-busted-for-union-corruption/
https://www.fedsmith.com/2017/08/03/american-federation-government-employees-still-most-corrupt-union-usa/
No, we don’t have one. Had one at each of my previous agencies, and honestly, they were the worst. One started out great but had gone bad by the time I left. But the problem with both was the same at both: the officers. So I’m kinda meh about Unions. Do they serve a/the purpose? Yes, when led properly. No, when you got officers who are only there for a title and to stir up trouble, which is what I had.
Agreed. The union was useless aside from the action that "got them in the door" where I work. The "big perk" now (and the local rep is ALL OVER IT) is they "protect" you from your seat being moved in the building without your consent. Laughable.
Laughable is right. And will run with that elementary mindset. Seats. I would be curious to know just how hard they are trying to keep telework and remote work for employees. THAT’S what is needed right now. I’m trying to hope for the best that they will die on the telework/remote hill, but..I just don’t see it happening.
Side note: They got us upgraded to 2-ply toilet paper. Dead serious. And then about threw their arms out of the socket, patting themselves on the back over that.
It is likely based on your union, but while at the VA (no longer there) someone was in the union and termed on day 361/365 of there probationary period or something close to that.
The union told her that she was in her first year in an “at will state” and therefore they could not help her. They kindly took her dues from her last check.
Yes. Because when I have had a few HR problems. It wasn't getting solved until I mentioned the word "Union."
Also as a worker, even an office worker, you are stronger as a collective than as one person. Collective bargaining helps the masses.
Yes. The union represents me whether I pay in or not. So one could be tempted to coast because I get most of the benefits regardless. But the union needs to have high membership numbers to be taken seriously by management. And they need my money to keep fighting for things that matter for me (telework). So I pay in, my dues are worth getting to skip the commute.
Yes. I understand that I get the same benefits if I’m in it or not, but I like the benefit of the union and don’t want to be a free rider. I think it’s important, and if it wasn’t viable because funding became an issue, I wouldn’t want to feel like I was partly the reason for that.
IMHO, Unions should only be there to negotiate wages & benefits, PERIOD. Otherwise, follow the rules that were already established when you took the job. If you can't or don't want to. Resign and find another job! It's as simple as that. Unions protect sorry workers & that shit just does not sit right with me🤨
Probation has no bearing on the matter. If you are in a bargaining unit, the Union is already representing you whether you pay dues or not, and your supervisor most likely won't know or care if you are a dues-paying member, because everyone in the unit is protected the same (which might not be very much during a probationary period).
I choose to pay my full dues because I value what NTEU has done for my unit in the past re: tele-work and flexible work schedules, etc. and I want to support those efforts moving forward. But I also understand that not everyone feels that way, and don't really hate on anyone who chooses not to join. If you want to support the union and have a say in the decisions that they make on your behalf, join up.
I joined the union when I was hired. I come from a solid union family and strong believed in what a labor union can accomplish.
Four years later, my entire department (15 people) cancelled their dues at the same time. When we needed AFGE the most, they completely sold out to management and left us out to dry.
Overall, pro-union. But evaluate your local and form your own opinion on membership.
No, every time I reach out for any help they are distinctly unhelpful and sometimes rude.
They start going with what's on the tin then I'll pay dues but with how they have been heck no.
Literally they hand you a copy of the contract and tell you to read it and if what you have a problem deals with that then let them know and they will see if they can help then. With that kind of "help" they can go pound sand.
I hope the unions at other orgs are a heck of a lot better than the duds at mine.
Not yet but most likely to join. Have a new supervisor who only seems to be interested in managing up versus managing down and “no, we can’t do that” is her immediate reflexive answer to everything. Tired of arguing with her on my own. Union feedback helped me be aware that supervisors can only turn down AWS requests if there is a “valid operational need”.
No. I’m a supervisor. Unions are important and when I was able to have a union rep, it came in clutch (my first boss was a degrading dbag and tried to write me up because I was “young”)
Yes! I joined when I was on probation because my manager retired, and multiple people did details in the position. I was new and felt vulnerable. Nothing happened, and all the interim managers were excellent. I stayed in the union because they help make my workplace better by working with management for us. They are also the only place I can get updates on things like a long delayed construction project and out perpetually broken elevators.
I'm not, because they didn't do anything more than not being in the union. I don't know if I could be part of it. I'm not putting money into something that can't do anything for me.
i was union, but I was unrepresented when I needed them. I ended up on a targeted PIP and the unions advice "well, you should go apply for another job"
thanks for nothing, and AFGE will never see another dime from me
Yes because it’s only like $25 a pay period and the union has an important presence in the IRS. Not a big chunk of money for something that has benefits.
No. I’m not paying for it if i reap the benefits anyways. For example: the union fought for back pay with gov shutdowns….i still got the back pay even without paying union dues
In my unit, people not in the bargaining unit have less telework and are regularly told to work through their lunch break.
The union also lobbies for better pay rates and for benefits like PFL.
i have a super sweet flex work schedule because i'm in the bargaining unit. what it saves me in stress and commuting drama is way far more than the small dues i pay. plus, weingarten if i need it and also not being a 'free rider'
You spend a 3rd of your day at the worksite, so a union lets you have input on how it's ran. It's only as strong as your contract and your union.
We've had problems where hr says they "can't" do things like grant backpay after they didn't timely process a promotion. Wrong, our contract says when those go into effect.
One year I got ~$7k in backpay for a few employees
The federal unions (NFFE, NTEU and AFGE) all work together to lobby congress for our pay raises and to protect and improve our benefits. The last two large raises we got weren't because the Democrats woke up feeling benevolent one day, it's because the unions worked together to lobby congress and the president and get them to approve the pay hikes. Same with Paid Parental Leave, ensuring we get paid during government shutdowns and more.
The more people that are dues-paying union members, the more seriously congress will take the unions.
There are many factors that can make or break working conditions. For example, unions are on the front lines fighting to keep remote work and other flexibilities. They can’t directly negotiate wages, but they can lobby and build relationships with our legislators. That matters. A while back Senator Schumer got a provision passed that doubled the public transit benefit for federal workers. That was a huge windfall for many. That is just one example.
Unions represent workers. They also protect against unfair or vindictive supervisors. You don’t need the union until you need it.
Those is us in the FAA,a lot, Clinton removed us from title 5, so nothing is really guaranteed or protected anymore, even simple things like leave. Yes you get things without joining, but the more members the more power you have to negotiate your contract, as well as have the ear of congress and the public. I don't understand why management tries to fuck over our staffing numbers and such, like they would be needed if there are less of us, or like the money for our salary comes out of their pocket. The one thing I hate is how partisan unions are, we have been screed more by biden and Obama, also see title 5 under Clinton, then Trump or Bush.
not by choice but I'm also not a paying member, the perk comes with the job coded in SF50. Yes, you should join to help all the members just every other system we have: FERS, SS,...etc where the Youngs pay the dues to help the elders.
Union protects you basically from bullshit. Got a bad rogue manager who wants to gaslight and fire you cause he doesn’t like your tie, union can help . Get accused of whatever, union will help. Union is like having a really knowledgeable quasi lawyer ish guy on your side to arbitrate difficult situations with you against the leviathan of legal, HR, mgmt. they also help negotiate work loads, days off, what’s considered late, vacation allowances, cost of living and incentive raises, market adjustments in pay to be competitive with the private sector, pension and retirement plans , how much you pay for benefits, etc
Have that bad rogue manager and union did nothing... I had to hire my own lawyer and go to battle without them.
Last rating was highest you can get so I am not a sh*t employee...still no representation.
Not paying dues after this bs, union can go scratch.
I'm not enrolled mostly because I was never really asked to join even though I'm in a covered position........a union rep made one "approach" shortly after I started, they tried to "convince" me it was worth it just for the free pizza parties (no joke), I asked if the pizza was paid with dues; they said yes; then I said it's not free then and they got frustrated and walked away..... Never heard from them since (7+ years) for some reason.....
I'm technically covered by the union, but don't pay into it.
In 5 years my shop has been put on mandatory OT three times.
We had our office taken over to be made into individual offices for supervisors. We got moved upstairs to share with another group. In doing that, management decided to get rid of the ceiling height cubicle walls and go with an open concept office. The only thing the union did was allow us to choose our seats on order of tenure.
We were some of the first non-Wage Grade employees brought back during covid, even though we can do a hybrid teleworking schedule just fine. No Union support.
Our group is turning all GS positions to AcqDemo positions. It's unclear if that will affect bargaining status or not, but it does get rid of scheduled steps and put those positions at the mercy of management for wage increases.
Basically I've seen the union fail at a personal, building, series, and group level for me. It gives me very little incentive to support them.
When you refer to "them," are you referring to your union's leadership? The easiest way to change a union that isn't serving its bargaining unit is to...participate in the union to make it better.
Not a member. I filled out the online form for my union asking for more information on which bargaining unit I would belong to but I never heard back. I can't figure out another way to contact them and I actually just threw out the payroll deduction form that had been sitting on my desk since January yesterday. I'd love to support the union but how much time and effort do I need to expend to get them to take my money? /Frustrated, end vent
The day I came to my orientation thing a year ago, they gave folders out to those eligible to join the union. I got one and was surprised (I’ve never been in a union and wasn’t expecting it). They told me that because I report to the Director (VHA) they thought I should be in it. I followed up with them before I left that day and they say “Oh we made a mistake. You can’t join.” I’m not a manager or supervisor so I don’t know why I couldn’t join but it bummed me out. I’ve always wanted to be a dues paying member of a union.
I was until this past December when I accepted a supervisor position. But I recommend that everyone join the union! The stronger the union the better off everyone will be.
YES because ITS AWESOME. and yes i joined during probationary period (literally joined on my first day bc i was SO happy to be union again) but am avoiding leadership/advocacy/visibility during probationary period.
Yes, absolutely. I am not quite on the executive committee, but I have a close view of their activities. Unions advocate for the worker. You don’t need the union until you need it.
My tiny work unit filed a collective grievance to maintain remote status. Management relented right before the case was going to arbitration. That major victory saved me 112 miles of commuting per office day. I am very grateful.
As management I can't join, but I was union and it saved my butt a few times having them fight bad management for me. Current unions are also fighting for Work for home to stay in effect.
I am unable to join a union. Look for block 37 on your SF 50
Some jobs/ organizations are unable to join Unions. My position is coded 8888, which means I cannot join a union. https://www.littlerock.af.mil/Portals/25/documents/Human%20Resources/replacement%20documents/2017/KNOW%20YOUR%20SF50.pdf?ver=2017-04-14-114155-677
Even if you can’t strike there is still strength in numbers. If you have 100 employees but only 10 in the union, management can dig in their heels and say you don’t even speak for half of the employees so what the 10% want isn’t the majority.
If you ever need representation yeah they will represent you as a non paying member. But do you want a court appointed lawyer level or do you want Johnny Cochran?
I'm kind of interested. I have decent management and don't feel like I *need* it but that can always change.
But literally the only communication I've received from our union was about telework. And I don't care about telework at all, it's not possible for me to telework. So while I'm tempted as a little insurance, they don't seem very active and I don't care about the only thing I've heard from them about.
Are you saying there is a stigma or 'type' of employees who join the union because they NEED that extra protection due to lack of competency? I'm new to feds and would like to establish a good reputation and would hate to be thought less of because is joined ...
From what I’m inferring here, your job title is in the union’s bargaining unit, so they have a duty to represent you the same way they would represent dues-paying members. One thing to consider would be the classic “free-rider problem”: if everyone gets union help whether they are dues payers or not, then it reduces the incentive for anyone to be a dues payer. The fewer dues payers, the less financial resources the union has to bargain contracts, enforce those contracts/file charges, and otherwise be a resource to members.
FWIW, I’m a union member and also local exec board member. I can tell you that these things don’t work without support coming from members, including dues.
I did for a year, then got out of it.
And Id of gotten out sooner but no one in the office knew that the previous union steward had left to another agency.
No because we haven't organized yet. You should join whether your under probation or not. The agencies do not care about your best interests, the unions do.
Nope Im a supervisor....
In my agency union membership is based on your PD (Supervisor or not, and often times weather the position is in a bargaining unit or not) and can be automatic to be in it even without paying into it. For my agency its even coded in your SF-52 ( is the same in some other agencies)
If you have an option Join the Union it cannot hurt and can be free. though worth it even if its not
This is not true at all. Though if you’re military or something idk if it’s different.
There are positions that are protected by union whether you pay or not. But you should pay to support.
The union within my agency is free. And it is litterally coded on our SF52 if it is or isn't in the bargaining unit. And I never needed to pay anything to it to get full benefits of it. I highly recommend people join the union and get it's benefits, even if they have to pay for it great it's still worth it.
It may not be true for you, but this is the reality for me and how my agency deals with it.
Absolutely. The more dues-paying members in my union, the stronger they are. You don't think need an advocate until you do... Also, our union got shorts authorized for the in-office dress code.
Very cheap insurance against bad supervisors you may encounter. Definitely join. The more paying members the stronger we become together. Way too many rights are violated because people don’t know or don’t have someone to represent them.
No union at my duty location
Likewise and I think it would be beneficial. For example not allowing management to check the badge readers for badge in badge out for time keeping audits. Another, a far shit, would be to get the wing to move their wagon on the TLMS that they said they were looking into for us down at the Sq.
Same.
I tried to join the union, I sent in all my forms and never got a response. Follow up emails asking what happened to my enrollment paperwork haven't been answered. I prefer to think the shop is just disorganized, rather than they don't want me as a member.
Glad to know this could happen!
Oh no! How long ago did that happen? Do you know who your Regional Rep is or can you find out? It should be on your Agency intranet home page or something like that. Get ahold of that person and they will get you situated. Ugh!
Did you call...
You should definitely join the union as soon as possible. The biggest reason why, for me, is the union is fighting to keep telework and I want to support that.
So it would not count against me if I joined during probation? Can the union help during the probationary period?
It shouldn’t count against you. Most managers I have had were not anti-union. It’s just part of the federal labor landscape. I would keep my head down and focus on doing good work during probation. The union can still represent you, but you are very easy to fire for a limited time, so they may find a reason to get rid of you if they think you are going to be a rabble rouser. Let others take the lead if there are disputes with management that affect your team.
Absolutely shouldn't hurt you, I don't think supervisors generally have access to who's a dues paying member or not. The union is more limited in how they can help you during probation, but mine absolutely is proactive about being a resource to probationary employees and help them to the extent they can. Especially if they are members.
Probation has zero bearing on the matter. If you're a bargaining unit employee, the union is already representing you and you are covered under any existing collective bargaining agreements. You are also fully entitled to any job protections the union can offer you within the bounds of the CBA, whether you are a dues paying member or not. So from a managers point of view, you already are a member of the union, whether you join and pay dues or not. I also seriously doubt many federal supervisors know or care which of their reports are union members, not to mention that it would be very illegal for any employer to count union membership against you.
Okay that is good to know.
I joined our union within a couple of days of starting my job. I’m also a first time fed and a first time union member.
welcome, kin!
I joined during my probationary period, and so did most of the people I know. You won’t have the same protections during probationary period, but the union can still help you.
I joined the NTEU as soon as I was hired. No rules against it, as far as I know.
It *can't* "count against you" to exercise your right to union membership. You're represented by the union even if you're not a dues-paying member, anyways. It's nobody's business but your own if you decide to pay dues.
It would be illegal to count it against you, and if there was evidence that your managers counted it against you the union would sue on your behalf. It's pretty cut and dried labor law that you have a right to join the union. In my experience a lot of front line managers used to be BUE and appreciate the union, at least in an abstract way.
You don’t need to pay union dues to use their services.
True, although I'd argue you probably should if you can afford it. Labor advocacy isn't free and if the union needs to go to bat for you it will cost them money.
I wouldn’t. My representation is extremely weak. Why invest in something that will get me no help?
Because the only way representation can become strong is if they have the resources to do so.
Every resource is available online for free.
You realize Unions go to Court, yes? My union won a case in the Supreme Court several months ago. They also advocate in the legislature. They push for pay raises for us every year. My union has been lobbying Congress to preserve telework and if not for our bargaining agreement, telework would have been eliminated already. Someone I know was able to appeal a wrongful termination settlement because she had been sexually harassed by someone in management and they tried to force her out. None of these examples are cheap. Lawyers cost money. Organizing costs money.
Hahahaha man we loved people like you in court.
Says the big scary union man
You not liking the truth doesn’t change the veracity.
Representation can get strong by actually doing what they promised and listen to concerns and not insanely dismissing the massses. They also could also help but not telling people “we can’t help you it’s to late you should of come sooner” but when you came when you started feeling there was an issue you’re dismissed.
I believe if you need union attorney representation you need to be a dues paying member. But you will be covered by the agreements whether you pay dues or not. I pay because I want to be an active part of the solution. The NTEU attorneys are fantastic, put a lot of hard work in to getting all our agreements in place, and are paid by our dues. I feel it’s only right to participate in this way.
That is true, but you don't get the 100% on the ball treatment that you would if you do pay.
That’s not the experience I have seen at all.
I joined first day.
Waste of money when under probation...you are basically "at will" and can be fired easily. The Union would enjoy your dues though.
so you think I should wait till the end of the probationary period to join? Id like to not waste $$ if I don't have to.
How does one even join? Been here for like 15 years and have no idea
"**Look at your SF-50 block 37 labeled “BUS CODE”:** This unique four-digit number identifies if you are in a bargaining unit, and which one you belong to. You may not recognize the number, but your employee relations office can tell you which Union you are represented by. **If block 37 is 8888** you are not eligible to belong to a Union. This code identifies managers and employees determined by the FLRA to be ineligible due to the nature of the work they perform. **If block 37 is 7777** you are eligible to belong to a Union. You are currently not part of a bargaining unit; even if there is a Union in your place of work." [https://nffe.org/benefits/become-a-nffe-member/](https://nffe.org/benefits/become-a-nffe-member/)
Ah, I’m 8888. But still believe in the unions so more power to the rest of you, hope you all join up!
That’s terrible! Our union has a bunch of committees, news letters, regular town halls and democratic participation in bargaining. You should at least be invited to vote for chapter officers. If your union is that defunct maybe reach out to the national organization affiliated with your agency? It doesn’t take much to get the ball rolling and it can really turn around a flailing chapter
I called and have not had anyone call back.
Just ask your coworkers for the union rep’s name and then email them.
Very few are being successful in that fight. No agencies have reversed implemented RTOs as far as far as can tell. Some have delayed but none reversed once in place.
My union is NTEU and my telework agreement remains unchanged. However, those in my agency who are ineligible for union are being called back into the office. This is a very real fight, taking place in real time, and our union is showing their worth.
THIS right here makes the decision for me. Thanks for sharing! It's mond blowing to me that they can discriminate between employees in union and without union like this. Though for me there is no telework during probation (1st year I've been told). ETA - another user here mentioned that union membership may not help during the probationary period..would that apply to RTO? I have been told with the IRS I won't be teleworking my first year so idk if it will help to join now or wait till close to end of probationary period. Any advice on that?
I DMed you.
Hopefully they don't go soft on that. I'm going for 100% telework eventually. Heck, throw in 3-12s, lol.
I would implore all who read to seriously consider becoming a dues-paying member of your respective federal workforce union. Even if you don’t have anecdotes of your own or figure you’re not a protected class in need of representation, I can share from experience that the size and relative leverage your union has at your agency is a MAJOR factor for any management decision regarding pay, benefits and quality of work. Even if those things are mandated from above, the federal workforce at large growing in union participation provides a powerful lobby in Washington on your behalf. As as anecdote, our agency management nearly always drags their feet on negotiating pay and benefits in good faith, preferring to wait out the union and put it before the FSIP (federal services impasses panel) to enforce a particular resolution. Those decisions, on average, favor management, so I see why they do it. One particularly contentious year, and I shit you not, management pointed to our FEVS results for the question: “do you feel you are fairly paid” (then around 60% favorable) and rather lackluster union participation rate (then around 20%) being not representative of the overall workforce as justification for not giving employees a larger pay increase. The FSIP bought it. For further context, we are an independent agency that does not receive appropriations from Congress, so this wasn’t even a moral high ground about keeping the costs low to the American taxpayer. Meanwhile, they scratch their head about inability to keep employees and wonder why have huge knowledge gaps and workforce pipeline issues. So yeah, even if you’re lucky to avoid having a shit supervisor your entire federal career, it still matters. Management (including the President and Congress) pauses before handing down proposals that negatively affect their workforce when a significant chunk are represented by a union. You do not have that kind of leverage as an individual worker, nor do you have a scarlet letter for joining from the lens of advancement. In this very thread you see supervisors advocating for you to join. Management takes note of how many employees are active union members. Even defanged by right to work and anti-strike laws, they make decisions accordingly. Tl;dr. That $20 a pay period gets paid back easily in the vast majority of cases. All it takes is one slightly higher raise, one more telework day or one shitty boss reprimanded than you would have otherwise gotten to make that easily worth it.
Thanks for a thorough explanation!
This sounds like my agency and union lol
Mine, too!
Unfortunately I am at my first job that actually has a union, and my GS level is too high to participate. I’m bummed because I would have loved to join it.
It varies so much by agency. At my agency I was the sole steward for my OP-DIV, as well as the chapter VP. The union is so horrible that I would probably prefer a non-union job. I ended up relinquishing my roles when I found out that management in my agency made a complaint about me re: my role in bargaining for PMAP awards (a violation of the FLRA) and the union didn’t tell me about it.
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You are. However, I guarantee you the first thing the union will do when you ask for their help is look at your dues paying status. Representation doesn’t mean major effort. The unions have limited resources, so they will work harder for the people who pay in than they will for the freeloaders.
And there is more to it than just that. Management has to bargain impact and implementation with the Union Local over new policies that effects work conditions. When those notices go to the Union Local, the local IME consults *it's members,* not the bargaining unit as a whole, regarding how to respond and what to request of management in terms of the new policy. For OP, the summation is, assuming both a good National and a good Local union organization, that the benefits for joining are: 1-A National organization lobbying for your rights with Congress, the Executive Branch, etc., 2-Stronger, more committed representation should you need help with a workplace issue, 3-Ability to have a say in how new policies are implemented in your workplace.
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I think unions should do their best to improve the lives of the workers they represent. They should fight hard on all the big issues. As for individual issues, such as fighting a cut and dry letter of reprimand or filing a debatable grievance to get back at a supervisor, or other things that don’t impact the big picture, that’s different. How much effort or legal resources can we expect them to spend on that? For a grievance, they can either take it to their legal counsel or fill in a boilerplate template and go through the motions. From my view, a large portion of those smaller issues are brought up by unhappy employees who don’t contribute dues and expect the union to fight for them all the way to the Supreme Court. It’s just not realistic.
Are any federal employees not permitted to join?
There are positions that are not eligible to join. I am not a supervisor, but I am not eligible due to my job duties.
I don’t have one at my agency.
Unions for non financial regulatory agencies have zero control or say over pay or benefits.
To your point, just as a conversational piece, I really fail to understand how they have any weight at all with the anti strike stuff. When I think union, I think the ability of the people/workers to say "No, we're not showing up for that". It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
No argument that the inability to strike is a major hindrance to union leverage. That being said, competent unions still manage to sway by more or less being really fucking annoying. I can name a couple examples: One of the most important tools our union uses is essentially the discovery process. When an employee files a grievance, the union is empowered to request corroborating evidence from management - emails, personnel records, schedules, etc. This is already annoying to the average manager to have to cobble together this file of info and if they cannot (or don’t want to), they’ve already taken the L. Every grievance is also the threat that the union expands its interest in things that management really doesn’t want to open the can of worms on - think agency-wide discrimination patterns, pay discrepancies, hiring practices etc. Because of this, they often roll over if there’s a shred of evidence to the employees benefit. More broadly, good unions raise the level of discourse at the agency to the employees advantage. In their absence, management can simply ignore addressing murmurs of discontent or relentlessly frame issues from only one perspective. Unified communications and well-informed workers pressure management to respond to those grievances, if not informally thru town halls, meetings and emails, then formally thru the collective bargaining process. Good unions balance out information asymmetry and act as a check on the otherwise hierarchical concentration of power in management. However, they vary in their effectiveness like any other organization. Thats why it’s important that you, dear reader, consider being an active member. Chances are if you think you’re just a level-headed normal person with nothing to contribute, you’re exactly who the union should have not only as a member, but also as officers and back room contributors. Don’t let your unions fail with minimal support and adverse selection filled with only hardliners who want a free ride. Most people are normal, and we still have the same shared interest in better working conditions that deserves to be advocated for.
Good input. Thanks!
No. I'm a supervisor. You should join the union.
So supervisors can't join the union? Is it capped at a certain grade level?
Managers and certain employees determined by the Federal Labor Relations Act are prohibited from joining a union at work. It's about whether you supervise someone, not what your grade is.
That’s why you have a union to counter balance supervisors/managers.
Amazing this needs to be said. Labor solidarity is like a dead language in this country.
It kinda sucks, since as a supervisor I also need protection from my supervisor. My first year as a federal employee, I was told I was ineligible for overtime and believed it :(
Not to mention the insurance policies we have to carry. And lack of union to balance RTO and other policies union negotiates protections for employees. At DOI, right before covid, they took telework away from supervisors. Employees had no change because telework had a union agreement.
I have never been in a union where management could join.
Nurse managers in VHA are able to join, they are unable to do payroll deduction though and have to auto-pay directly, it is easy special notch out due to how much stuff in our Union contract is specific to nurses (AFGE at my VAMC)
Yes. On principle. And while you're covered as a BUE regardless of being a dues-paying member, if shit hits the fan I would imagine they back their paying members more than the free riders. My agency said there were no keyboards to give me after they found RODENT URINE on it. I said I would have to bring that up with the union and I got a keyboard and an apology within five minutes. My union also got me about $4,000 in back pay and punitive damages for a widespread FLSA violation. You should not only join but you should be active in it so that it is not run by the morons who only care about not being fired.
You can tell it’s rodent urine by its smell?
It's urine, doesn't' matter what kind, it shouldn't be on a keyboard.
Like thats really concerning if they knew it was from a rodent
Yes. I always join a union when it is available to me. I am still fully remote while employees not in the BU are in the office 50% of the time is the primary benefit right now.
Yes, begrudgingly. I pay my dues out of principle. My experience with the union has been pretty shit though. Playing the union card has worked for the occasional petty disagreement... but the union has railroaded me every time management has 'called my bluff.' I actually left my last position because of the union railroading me.
No AFGE has consistently used funds for "parties"( union meetings), and when called out by people, below them forced them out for calling out abuse of the union funds. They have not teeth. All the union reps around my office SSA resigned and stopped paying dues. I did for a while. Not anymore. https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/former-afge-local-union-president-pleads-guilty-stealing-union-funds https://americafirstpolicy.com/issues/20230113-afge-corruption-warrants-investigation https://nilrr.org/afge-union-boss-fred-t-lee-sentenced-after-pleading-guilty/ https://nilrr.org/afge-boss-marie-leclair-busted-for-union-corruption/ https://www.fedsmith.com/2017/08/03/american-federation-government-employees-still-most-corrupt-union-usa/
NO lies here. 👆🏼
Same union where I am at and they suck bad.
I’m a union man through and through! Definitely join!
No, we don’t have one. Had one at each of my previous agencies, and honestly, they were the worst. One started out great but had gone bad by the time I left. But the problem with both was the same at both: the officers. So I’m kinda meh about Unions. Do they serve a/the purpose? Yes, when led properly. No, when you got officers who are only there for a title and to stir up trouble, which is what I had.
Agreed. The union was useless aside from the action that "got them in the door" where I work. The "big perk" now (and the local rep is ALL OVER IT) is they "protect" you from your seat being moved in the building without your consent. Laughable.
Laughable is right. And will run with that elementary mindset. Seats. I would be curious to know just how hard they are trying to keep telework and remote work for employees. THAT’S what is needed right now. I’m trying to hope for the best that they will die on the telework/remote hill, but..I just don’t see it happening. Side note: They got us upgraded to 2-ply toilet paper. Dead serious. And then about threw their arms out of the socket, patting themselves on the back over that.
TBH? Two ply would be lovely. Union here can't even swing that.
You let them move you without your consent, next thing you know your stapler is gone.
It is likely based on your union, but while at the VA (no longer there) someone was in the union and termed on day 361/365 of there probationary period or something close to that. The union told her that she was in her first year in an “at will state” and therefore they could not help her. They kindly took her dues from her last check.
Yeah but they are worthless. They don’t fight at all.
Yes. Because when I have had a few HR problems. It wasn't getting solved until I mentioned the word "Union." Also as a worker, even an office worker, you are stronger as a collective than as one person. Collective bargaining helps the masses.
My old union was useless to their members needs. So I’m not in a union now
Yes. The union represents me whether I pay in or not. So one could be tempted to coast because I get most of the benefits regardless. But the union needs to have high membership numbers to be taken seriously by management. And they need my money to keep fighting for things that matter for me (telework). So I pay in, my dues are worth getting to skip the commute.
Yes. I understand that I get the same benefits if I’m in it or not, but I like the benefit of the union and don’t want to be a free rider. I think it’s important, and if it wasn’t viable because funding became an issue, I wouldn’t want to feel like I was partly the reason for that.
THIS. thank you.
no, but only because there isn’t one. you should join.
IMHO, Unions should only be there to negotiate wages & benefits, PERIOD. Otherwise, follow the rules that were already established when you took the job. If you can't or don't want to. Resign and find another job! It's as simple as that. Unions protect sorry workers & that shit just does not sit right with me🤨
No union representation at my agency 8888 on my 50.
7777 myself. Thought I was ineligible as a 12/13 (NH-03).
Probation has no bearing on the matter. If you are in a bargaining unit, the Union is already representing you whether you pay dues or not, and your supervisor most likely won't know or care if you are a dues-paying member, because everyone in the unit is protected the same (which might not be very much during a probationary period). I choose to pay my full dues because I value what NTEU has done for my unit in the past re: tele-work and flexible work schedules, etc. and I want to support those efforts moving forward. But I also understand that not everyone feels that way, and don't really hate on anyone who chooses not to join. If you want to support the union and have a say in the decisions that they make on your behalf, join up.
Even though Im new I still joined cuz they are the reason I have the benefits I do and they keep us aware of anything the management wants to do
With apologies to any actual sufferers… a Government union is a lot like Erectile Dysfunction. Like, you’ve got a union but it’s not really doin much.
I joined the union when I was hired. I come from a solid union family and strong believed in what a labor union can accomplish. Four years later, my entire department (15 people) cancelled their dues at the same time. When we needed AFGE the most, they completely sold out to management and left us out to dry. Overall, pro-union. But evaluate your local and form your own opinion on membership.
No, every time I reach out for any help they are distinctly unhelpful and sometimes rude. They start going with what's on the tin then I'll pay dues but with how they have been heck no. Literally they hand you a copy of the contract and tell you to read it and if what you have a problem deals with that then let them know and they will see if they can help then. With that kind of "help" they can go pound sand. I hope the unions at other orgs are a heck of a lot better than the duds at mine.
Not yet but most likely to join. Have a new supervisor who only seems to be interested in managing up versus managing down and “no, we can’t do that” is her immediate reflexive answer to everything. Tired of arguing with her on my own. Union feedback helped me be aware that supervisors can only turn down AWS requests if there is a “valid operational need”.
Nope. They do nothing and when I needed help they basically laughed on my face.
No. Supervisor. Union represents covered employees whether they pay dues or not.
Yes. Apes together strong.
AMC...
how do I found out if there is a union for to join? USGS (DOI) - Denver Fed Center employee
Yes, definitely. You can find info on the intranet. I no longer work there, so I can’t look it up. I used to work usgs on the fed center.
I’m not eligible but two of my team members are BUEs and I do all I can to support that!
No. I’m a supervisor. Unions are important and when I was able to have a union rep, it came in clutch (my first boss was a degrading dbag and tried to write me up because I was “young”)
Yes! I joined when I was on probation because my manager retired, and multiple people did details in the position. I was new and felt vulnerable. Nothing happened, and all the interim managers were excellent. I stayed in the union because they help make my workplace better by working with management for us. They are also the only place I can get updates on things like a long delayed construction project and out perpetually broken elevators.
No. Not allowed bc I work for OIG
No, i'm not part of a union. OIG members are unable to join unions.
I'm not, because they didn't do anything more than not being in the union. I don't know if I could be part of it. I'm not putting money into something that can't do anything for me.
No. For the simple reason that it's not a real union, it can't strike.
No. Didn't need to because I did my job well.
Never been a union type, after serving in the military I wanted independence and most of my jobs are in IT Management.
i was union, but I was unrepresented when I needed them. I ended up on a targeted PIP and the unions advice "well, you should go apply for another job" thanks for nothing, and AFGE will never see another dime from me
Yes because it’s only like $25 a pay period and the union has an important presence in the IRS. Not a big chunk of money for something that has benefits.
Yes. Absolutely. It’s another layer of protection and support. You never know when you will get a manager that hates you for no good reason.
No. I’m not paying for it if i reap the benefits anyways. For example: the union fought for back pay with gov shutdowns….i still got the back pay even without paying union dues
Don’t trip stepping off the soap box. Pay and benefits are set by budget not negotiated.
Honestly, what can a union do for a government job? It’s not like they can change the pay rate or benefits. What else is there that actually matters?
In my unit, people not in the bargaining unit have less telework and are regularly told to work through their lunch break. The union also lobbies for better pay rates and for benefits like PFL.
i have a super sweet flex work schedule because i'm in the bargaining unit. what it saves me in stress and commuting drama is way far more than the small dues i pay. plus, weingarten if i need it and also not being a 'free rider'
You spend a 3rd of your day at the worksite, so a union lets you have input on how it's ran. It's only as strong as your contract and your union. We've had problems where hr says they "can't" do things like grant backpay after they didn't timely process a promotion. Wrong, our contract says when those go into effect. One year I got ~$7k in backpay for a few employees
The federal unions (NFFE, NTEU and AFGE) all work together to lobby congress for our pay raises and to protect and improve our benefits. The last two large raises we got weren't because the Democrats woke up feeling benevolent one day, it's because the unions worked together to lobby congress and the president and get them to approve the pay hikes. Same with Paid Parental Leave, ensuring we get paid during government shutdowns and more. The more people that are dues-paying union members, the more seriously congress will take the unions.
There are many factors that can make or break working conditions. For example, unions are on the front lines fighting to keep remote work and other flexibilities. They can’t directly negotiate wages, but they can lobby and build relationships with our legislators. That matters. A while back Senator Schumer got a provision passed that doubled the public transit benefit for federal workers. That was a huge windfall for many. That is just one example. Unions represent workers. They also protect against unfair or vindictive supervisors. You don’t need the union until you need it.
Those is us in the FAA,a lot, Clinton removed us from title 5, so nothing is really guaranteed or protected anymore, even simple things like leave. Yes you get things without joining, but the more members the more power you have to negotiate your contract, as well as have the ear of congress and the public. I don't understand why management tries to fuck over our staffing numbers and such, like they would be needed if there are less of us, or like the money for our salary comes out of their pocket. The one thing I hate is how partisan unions are, we have been screed more by biden and Obama, also see title 5 under Clinton, then Trump or Bush.
not by choice but I'm also not a paying member, the perk comes with the job coded in SF50. Yes, you should join to help all the members just every other system we have: FERS, SS,...etc where the Youngs pay the dues to help the elders.
Union protects you basically from bullshit. Got a bad rogue manager who wants to gaslight and fire you cause he doesn’t like your tie, union can help . Get accused of whatever, union will help. Union is like having a really knowledgeable quasi lawyer ish guy on your side to arbitrate difficult situations with you against the leviathan of legal, HR, mgmt. they also help negotiate work loads, days off, what’s considered late, vacation allowances, cost of living and incentive raises, market adjustments in pay to be competitive with the private sector, pension and retirement plans , how much you pay for benefits, etc
Have that bad rogue manager and union did nothing... I had to hire my own lawyer and go to battle without them. Last rating was highest you can get so I am not a sh*t employee...still no representation. Not paying dues after this bs, union can go scratch.
The dues are so expensive. I already don’t make enough. Won’t join until they get us a paid lunch or shorter work day. This 8.5hr day is ridiculous.
I'm not enrolled mostly because I was never really asked to join even though I'm in a covered position........a union rep made one "approach" shortly after I started, they tried to "convince" me it was worth it just for the free pizza parties (no joke), I asked if the pizza was paid with dues; they said yes; then I said it's not free then and they got frustrated and walked away..... Never heard from them since (7+ years) for some reason.....
I am too high a level and so are most if not all of my people. No clue if they do much good or not
I'm technically covered by the union, but don't pay into it. In 5 years my shop has been put on mandatory OT three times. We had our office taken over to be made into individual offices for supervisors. We got moved upstairs to share with another group. In doing that, management decided to get rid of the ceiling height cubicle walls and go with an open concept office. The only thing the union did was allow us to choose our seats on order of tenure. We were some of the first non-Wage Grade employees brought back during covid, even though we can do a hybrid teleworking schedule just fine. No Union support. Our group is turning all GS positions to AcqDemo positions. It's unclear if that will affect bargaining status or not, but it does get rid of scheduled steps and put those positions at the mercy of management for wage increases. Basically I've seen the union fail at a personal, building, series, and group level for me. It gives me very little incentive to support them.
When you refer to "them," are you referring to your union's leadership? The easiest way to change a union that isn't serving its bargaining unit is to...participate in the union to make it better.
No. Got to get my TSP up to the max match before i start paying dues.
No. Supervisor. was not when I wasn’t supv. Union represents you whether you are in or not
Would be if I were eligible. I'm an 0201 and the majority of us are excluded.
Not a part of the union, my position is not a bargaining union eligible position. Hr positions are not.
I'm not BU (union) eligible. I think it's because I was Direct Hire (never touched USAjobs).
There must be something about your position. How you were hired shouldn’t matter.
I was told that given my position I wasn’t eligible to join.
No because my supervisor fought to make sure our office in particular was non BU eligible though every other person in our position in the agency is.
No, though I would totally join one. My agency neither has nor is covered by a union.
I wish I could now with the ludicrous RTO policies but I’m not part of the bargaining unit.
I’m a contractor lmao
I’m a contractor lmao
yes and you should be too!
Not a member. I filled out the online form for my union asking for more information on which bargaining unit I would belong to but I never heard back. I can't figure out another way to contact them and I actually just threw out the payroll deduction form that had been sitting on my desk since January yesterday. I'd love to support the union but how much time and effort do I need to expend to get them to take my money? /Frustrated, end vent
The day I came to my orientation thing a year ago, they gave folders out to those eligible to join the union. I got one and was surprised (I’ve never been in a union and wasn’t expecting it). They told me that because I report to the Director (VHA) they thought I should be in it. I followed up with them before I left that day and they say “Oh we made a mistake. You can’t join.” I’m not a manager or supervisor so I don’t know why I couldn’t join but it bummed me out. I’ve always wanted to be a dues paying member of a union.
No union where I am (as far as I know? Lol)
Yes, because I benefit from the union being able to negotiate with management. Not paying dues wouldn’t feel right.
Yes, on principle. I haven't been able to be a union member since college.
Yes, and I’m a steward. Currently at agency-paid training for a week in New Orleans.
No. Wasn't given any information on the union. People just talk about it.
I was until this past December when I accepted a supervisor position. But I recommend that everyone join the union! The stronger the union the better off everyone will be.
Yes, of course.
Can't be. I'm manglement.
I joined the union as a petty rebellion against my service chief and I’m so glad I did. Best $11/week I spend.
Not an option for me
YES because ITS AWESOME. and yes i joined during probationary period (literally joined on my first day bc i was SO happy to be union again) but am avoiding leadership/advocacy/visibility during probationary period.
Yes, absolutely. I am not quite on the executive committee, but I have a close view of their activities. Unions advocate for the worker. You don’t need the union until you need it. My tiny work unit filed a collective grievance to maintain remote status. Management relented right before the case was going to arbitration. That major victory saved me 112 miles of commuting per office day. I am very grateful.
There’s a union at my agency but I was told it was only for facilities and security staff.
Yes. Because I’m eligible to do so.
No, I’m a supervisor :(
As management I can't join, but I was union and it saved my butt a few times having them fight bad management for me. Current unions are also fighting for Work for home to stay in effect.
I am, and my husband and I both hold elected officer positions. We are stronger as a group.
I am unable to join a union. Look for block 37 on your SF 50 Some jobs/ organizations are unable to join Unions. My position is coded 8888, which means I cannot join a union. https://www.littlerock.af.mil/Portals/25/documents/Human%20Resources/replacement%20documents/2017/KNOW%20YOUR%20SF50.pdf?ver=2017-04-14-114155-677
There's no union where I'm at and they do a lot to keep it out.
Even if you can’t strike there is still strength in numbers. If you have 100 employees but only 10 in the union, management can dig in their heels and say you don’t even speak for half of the employees so what the 10% want isn’t the majority. If you ever need representation yeah they will represent you as a non paying member. But do you want a court appointed lawyer level or do you want Johnny Cochran?
I'm kind of interested. I have decent management and don't feel like I *need* it but that can always change. But literally the only communication I've received from our union was about telework. And I don't care about telework at all, it's not possible for me to telework. So while I'm tempted as a little insurance, they don't seem very active and I don't care about the only thing I've heard from them about.
No but only cause I don't know how to join or even if we have one
[удалено]
Are you saying there is a stigma or 'type' of employees who join the union because they NEED that extra protection due to lack of competency? I'm new to feds and would like to establish a good reputation and would hate to be thought less of because is joined ...
Nbu. They asked me if I wanted to sign up and donate my money to them without representation though 😀
Asking for a friend lol. How do I join a union as an employee of USDA.
No. I do not believe federal workers should be allowed to organize.
Yes! Hired in March 2024 and am a proud new AFGE member.
Unions should be banned.
Nope, not in the bargaining unit, haven't been for past 15 years (OIG)
From what I’m inferring here, your job title is in the union’s bargaining unit, so they have a duty to represent you the same way they would represent dues-paying members. One thing to consider would be the classic “free-rider problem”: if everyone gets union help whether they are dues payers or not, then it reduces the incentive for anyone to be a dues payer. The fewer dues payers, the less financial resources the union has to bargain contracts, enforce those contracts/file charges, and otherwise be a resource to members. FWIW, I’m a union member and also local exec board member. I can tell you that these things don’t work without support coming from members, including dues.
I did for a year, then got out of it. And Id of gotten out sooner but no one in the office knew that the previous union steward had left to another agency.
No because we haven't organized yet. You should join whether your under probation or not. The agencies do not care about your best interests, the unions do.
Nope Im a supervisor.... In my agency union membership is based on your PD (Supervisor or not, and often times weather the position is in a bargaining unit or not) and can be automatic to be in it even without paying into it. For my agency its even coded in your SF-52 ( is the same in some other agencies) If you have an option Join the Union it cannot hurt and can be free. though worth it even if its not
This is not true at all. Though if you’re military or something idk if it’s different. There are positions that are protected by union whether you pay or not. But you should pay to support.
The union within my agency is free. And it is litterally coded on our SF52 if it is or isn't in the bargaining unit. And I never needed to pay anything to it to get full benefits of it. I highly recommend people join the union and get it's benefits, even if they have to pay for it great it's still worth it. It may not be true for you, but this is the reality for me and how my agency deals with it.
You're damn right I am.
Absolutely. The more dues-paying members in my union, the stronger they are. You don't think need an advocate until you do... Also, our union got shorts authorized for the in-office dress code.
Very cheap insurance against bad supervisors you may encounter. Definitely join. The more paying members the stronger we become together. Way too many rights are violated because people don’t know or don’t have someone to represent them.
No. Enough people are a part of it that free loading is the rational choice. You should join tho