Become A Member

Become a member of AFSCME 844 – Clerical and Technical Workers at Saint Paul Public Schools

READY FOR A RAISE? THEN STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

First Step for Raises & a Better Contract…

Sign a Memb

ership Card Today!The key to winning a good contract is showing the District administration that we’re ready to do what it takes to win. Joining our union is the first step! Make sure you ARE a member by signing a membership card. Contact us today to get a membership card.MEMBERSHIP FAQ:WHY IS IT IMPORTANT I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE UNION?The first thing the District administration does when they bargain with our union is look at how many of us are actually members. This tells them how much support the Union has and the more members we have, the more serious the District will be in bargaining with us. If our membership is low, the administration will think we are disorganized or don’t care and they will be able to push through their agenda. Becoming a member is the simplest way to say to the administration, “I deserve dignified treatment and a raise.”MONEY IS ALREADY COMING OUT OF MY PAYCHECK, SO I’M A MEMBER, RIGHT?

If you haven’t signed a membership card yet, then you are not a member – you’re a “Fair Share Fee Payer.” Minnesota state law requires everybody who is covered by a union contract at the SPPS to pay their fair share for the benefits and representation they receive from being covered by the contract – benefits like affordable health care, wage increases, job security, sick and vacation days, representation in investigatory and disciplinary meetings, and seniority.

DOESN’T IT COST A LOT MORE TO BECOME A MEMBER?

Minnesota state law requires that a fee payer (also known as fair share) pay 77% of the dues amount for the benefits and representation you receive from being covered by the contract. The difference between being a fee payer and being a full member is $9.36 a month.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEMBER AND A “FAIR SHARE” FEE PAYER?

Not only does becoming a member of our union, AFSCME 844 – Clerical and Technical Workers at Saint Paul Public Schools, send a message to the DIstrict administration that you care about your job and contract, but you show your co-workers that you stand together with them.

The basic idea behind a union is that we have shared interests and goals with our co- workers, we all want a better contract with raises and job security. We want our benefits protected and we want a fair and dignified work environment. Rather than standing alone, we’re a lot stronger when we stand together and take collective action. Our union puts that wisdom into action.

IS IT TRUE ONLY MEMBERS CAN VOTE?

Yes. Members get a real democratic voice in our Union. AFSCME 844 is a member- run, member-powered union built on having a voice both on the job at the SPPS, as well as in our union. Decisions are made by members and member participation has been the key to our successes. Members decide collectively what our focus should be in contract negotiations, what we spend our dues money on, what position our union

is going to take on the important issues of the day, and what organizations in our communities we are going to work with and support. Our commitment to democratic and transparent decision making is what sets us apart from many other unions. Only members can vote on whether or not we should go on strike, on electing our Union’s leadership – like President, Executive Board and Negotiating Committee Representatives, or on accepting or rejecting contracts. To have a voice in our union and be part of the decision making process you simply need to be a member of AFSCME 844.

IT’S TIME TO UNITE, FIGHT BACK AND WIN!

AFSCME 844 – Clerical and Technical workers at Saint Paul Public Schools. This District works because we do.