By Stuart A. Bussey, MD, JD, UAPD President
With the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision expected in days or weeks, we UAPD full and fair share members face an important decision. The Court will likely decide that public union fair share fees are not legal or collectible and that there will be only two possibilities-full membership and non-membership–Do you fair share fee payors really want to stop paying your fair share fees and become nonmembers, jump ship, free ride? Many of our fair share payors incorrectly believe that because they pay fair share fees of 0.86% of their salary, for union services, that they are full members. They are not. For only .04% more of your salary, you may enjoy UAPD full membership benefits- participating in bargaining, voting for the contract, being on union committees, running for office, free CME and legal consultation. to name a few. Over the last year UAPD stewards, staff, and representatives have been asking you to become full members. It’s not too late to convert over to full membership. Just click on the link at the bottom and fill out the appropriate membership form.
To our doctors and providers who are already full members, you have our unwavering gratitude for your loyalty and service. We need you to recommit your full membership by clicking the link at the bottom of this article and fill out the appropriate membership form. If the Janus decision is adverse to public unions, we anticipate that big money and union busting organizations like the Freedom Foundation will try to contact you. They will argue that you should drop your full membership and not pay any dues money for your union services. That makes no sense. Don’t listen to them. Would a patient not pay anything for medical services? A patron not pay a shopkeeper for a product? A citizen not pay taxes for government services? New York State has already passed legislation that would make certain benefits applicable only to full union members. California lawmakers are also considering similar legislation. Your membership is critical to our union’s survival! Without your full membership and dues, we cannot provide you with a good contract and representation services. It’s time for us all to acknowledge the value of UAPD.
The TOP TEN REASONS we must remain or become full UAPD members
- A Good Union Contract is Your Best Return on Investment- where else can 0.9% dues yield several percent annual salary and other monetary increases? We need a robust staff to bargain for good contracts
- Grievances Matter- without adequate resources our representatives cannot comprehensively address and correct contract violations.
- Pension and Benefits – We need strong political alliances and resources to maintain good pensions, defined contributions, and health benefits.
- Just Cause and Just Culture– The best defenses against capricious discipline and system dysfunction have been negotiated and maintained by UAPD
- Time off- Vacation, leave and flexible work hours become as important as money as you age. Ensure UAPD has adequate staff to fight for them.
- Relevant Legislation- Whether union, health care, or socially conscious UAPD’s political arm needs membership muscle and resources to advocate
- Legal Defense- To supply our members with top legal advice, defense and advocacy we must maintain a superior legal program and consultants
- CME and other free perks- only members may enjoy free CME, legal consultation, union plus insurance, discounts on mortgages and more
- Leadership and Involvement- only as a member can you become a steward, vote for contracts, serve on union committees, or run for union office
- Fighting for Equity in health care- For half a century UAPD has stood for fair treatment of our patients, doctors, and providers. Let’s keep it up!
Colleagues, sisters, and brothers, please click on the link below and choose the appropriate Docusign form to commit to full membership. Don’t go it alone and miss out on UAPD benefits.