Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to be a union member?
• What happens to my pay, benefits and retirement if I withdraw?
• What about liability insurance?
• How much are union dues?
• Am I still covered by the union contract if I opt out?
• How do unions spend my dues?
• How many people have opted out of Michigan unions?

Do I have to be a union member?

Not if you work for a public entity. If your employer is a government unit, you can freely withdraw from union membership and cannot be forced to pay money in order to hold a job.

What happens to my pay, benefits and retirement if I withdraw?

Nothing. Pay and benefits are set by the union contract and, regardless of membership in a union, you are covered by those provisions. Retirement benefits are set by the state or local government. You cannot be discriminated against based on union status. If you feel the union or your employer are discriminating against you because you have chosen to be a non-member, please contact us for a free legal consultation.

What about liability insurance?

Many unions do offer liability insurance and other benefits as part of being a member. If you withdraw, you will not be covered by this. However, there are other groups that offer liability insurance and other ancillary benefits for a much cheaper cost than most labor unions. The Association of American Educators and Christian Educators Association are two such groups.

How much are union dues?

Typically $500 to $1,000 per year. Several major unions, including the Michigan Education Association, have hiked dues in recent years. Some of this money stays with the local union, but most goes to the state or national unions.

Am I still covered by the union contract if I opt out?

Yes. Because of past court decisions (supported by labor unions), even if you withdraw from the union, you are still covered by all provisions in the collective bargaining agreement.

How do unions spend my dues?

Typically, most dues money goes to paying for the staff of the labor union. Unions also spend money on controversial political issues and lobbying. The national unions support many controversial, far-left advocacy groups and causes.

How many people have opted out of Michigan unions?

All major unions in Michigan have seen tens of thousands of people withdraw. The Michigan Education Association and Michigan Federation of Teachers have seen about one-third of their membership opt out. Some state employee unions are nearing half or more opting out. Unions for local government employees are also seeing a higher percentage of workers withdrawing.