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Questions and Answers About "Fair Share"

"Fair Share": Building a Stronger Union

by Pam Inglesby

Labor relations in California's state university systems will improve significantly in January 2000, when a new state law goes into effect requiring their unionized employees to start paying a representation fee. Senate Bill 645, also known as the "fair share" bill, was signed by the governor in October, and will dramatically strengthen the ability of unions at the University of California and California State University to improve working conditions for employees.

The new law is known as "fair share" because until now, unions at UC and CSU have been funded solely by membership dues. State law prohibited us from collecting fees from non-members - a very unusual state of affairs among public employee unions. This situation meant relatively small budgets for the unions, which limited their ability to bargain good contracts and otherwise improve working conditions. Starting in January, however, all employees represented by unions at UC and CSU will start contributing their "fair share," which will give UC-AFT the same power enjoyed by other public employee unions, such as the K-12 teachers represented by our affiliate, the California Federation of Teachers.

Those who have criticized the "fair share" idea fail to note that all employees represented by unions voted to have a union in the first place, and that the law requires us to represent the interests of all our employees equally. This means employees who choose not to pay for having a union benefit just as much as those who become members. This has created an unjust situation within UC-AFT, in which a small group of dedicated volunteers with a limited budget have worked hard for over 15 years to improve conditions for librarians and non-Senate faculty within Units 17 and 18.

"Fair share" will give UC-AFT the resources we need to bargain a much better contract for you in the coming year, and we are confident you will find the money well-spent. We also hope you will decide there is no longer any reason not to join the union. To bargain the best possible contracts, we need support and input from all Unit 17/18 employees. All you need to do is fill out and mail the membership form.

You will receive more detailed information from us in the near future. If you have immediate questions about "fair share," however, please contact a union officer or staff person.