Answers to your frequently asked questions about joining a union.
1. What is a union?
A union is an organization which negotiates the wages, hours and conditions of employment of a particular group of employees. It acts as your exclusive representative for these purposes. In 2001, Kentucky State Employees from Corrections and Social and Employment Services overwhelmingly elected AFSCME as their union.
2. What does it mean to be exclusively represented?
The union has the authority and the exclusive right to negotiate with your employer on the amount of wages, benefits and working conditions that the employees will receive.
3. How did AFSCME become my exclusive representative?
In 2001, AFSCME collected authorization cards from more than 30% of workers, then held an election in which more than 50% of the employees voted in favor of unionization. Governor Fletcher took away that choice in 2004, and Governor Beshear has reinstated it in 2008.
4. What is a union authorization card?
An authorization card is a document expressing support for the union and requires your signature.
5. What does it mean if I signed an AFSCME union authorization card?
It means you are choosing the union to act as your exclusive representative in negotiations with the state.
6. If I signed an AFSCME union authorization card, am I automatically a member of the union?
If you sign a card, you are considered a member of AFSCME, however, you are not required to pay union dues until your employment is covered under a union contract agreement with the state of Kentucky.
7. What’s the difference between being a union “member” and just being “represented”?
If you are a member, you have the right to vote on union business. You can elect union officials, vote on negotiation issues and vote to ratify the union agreement with the state. If you are not a member, then the union will represent you without your voting.
8. How is the amount of union dues established?
You and your fellow union members in Kentucky determine the amount of monthly dues you will pay.
9. Will I have any say in the negotiations?
Yes.
Bargainig Surveys are being sent out to state employees now. Responses from these surveys will help determine what issues will be taken to negotiations with the state. It is very important to take the survey (You can download the survey on this website under "downloads.").
A negotiating committee nominated and elected by Kentucky state employees will represent state workers when negotiations with the state begins.
10. Is there a difference between union rights in a Commonwealth and a State?
Federal labor law applies equally in both Commonwealths and States. AFSCME represents workers in the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts and Virginia as well as members in nearly every state.
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