Are you one of these?

Find your most recent pay stub and look for the following deductions: 

SEIU1000D  =  union member (the 'D' denotes dues)

SEIU1000F  =  fair share fee payer (the 'F' denotes fair share fees)

Many employees who pay fair share fees mistakenly believe that they are union members.  They find out otherwise when they approach the union for assistance or when they try to use member-only benefits.

What are Fair Share Fees?

The Ralph C. Dills Act is the state law that granted collective bargaining rights to most California state workers.  Under the Dills Act, once a majority of the workers in a particular bargaining unit select an employee organization (union) to represent them, that union becomes the 'exclusive representative' for all employees in that bargaining unit.  This means that the union must represent all employees in that bargaining unit in all negotiations with the employer (the State).

Likewise, any rights or benefits negotiated by the union applies to and is enjoyed by all employees in that bargaining unit.  Because the union is required to represent all employees, it is permitted to charge for the costs these services.   These fees represent the 'fair share' of the cost of representing non-members.  This also insures that members do not shoulder the entire costs of services that both members and non-members receive.

Membership Dues vs. Fair Share Fees

Currently, the membership dues is one percent (1%) of an employee's monthly gross pay.  Non-members are required to pay 'fair share' fees that equal to about 98% of what members pay.  For most employees, the difference between membership dues and fair share fees is just a few dollars.   When made aware of this, many workers are inclined to become full-pledged members and enjoy a voice in the workplace and member-only benefits.