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September 3, 2008

To: David P. Moffa, President, Local 387

Jon Pepe, President, Local 391

Luke Leone, President, Local 1565

From: Sal Luciano, Executive Director

Council 4 AFSCME, AFL-CIO

Cc: Al Chiucarello, Staff Representative

Steve Carbone, Service Representative

Joe Stone, Service Representative

John Little, Service Representative

Re: Progressive Dues

As you know, in 2006 the AFSCME International Constitution was amended to

require a progressive dues structure for all AFSCME members. Council 4 has

responded by creating a committee of rank and file union leaders to make

recommendations to the delegate body later this year.

While the specific percentage has not been determined, the Committee members have

already taken a firm position on whether dues should be deducted from base or gross

pay. Both the Committee members and the Council 4 delegate body have expressed a

strong philosophical position on this question.

Delegates overwhelmingly favor using base pay that does not include overtime.

The primary reason for this decision is that to use gross pay (which includes overtime)

is inconsistent with the goals of organized labor.

Their rationale, with which I completely agree, is that overtime is a signal to the

employer that more staff is needed. When unions fought for and won federal and state

laws that require time and one-half pay for work over 40 hours in a week, they argued

that employers who require employees to work more than a reasonable number of

hours should pay a penalty for requiring the extra hours of work.

That’s how time and one-half was created. Whether an employee is required to work

overtime or chooses to work for extra pay does not matter: the principle is the same.

If an employee works extra hours, the rate of pay should reflect the long hours of

work.

Taking dues out of overtime pay is not – and will not – be on the table.

I hope this helps clarify any questions.