Join today at https://cwa3170.unioni.se/signup
Why should I join the Union?
The primary purpose of the union is to give workers a collective voice to negotiate with employers for better pay, benefits (like health care and pensions), safer working conditions, and job security The union acts as a counterbalance to management’s power to ensure fair treatment and a higher quality of life for members through collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining is the negotiations between an employer and a group of employees (a bargaining unit). Bargaining as a group, employees have a stronger negotiating position and are less vulnerable to retribution from bosses.
The Union gives you the ability to negotiate over company policies that could effect promotions, vacation time, sick leave, benefits, the Pension, healthcare and many other aspects of your job.
How much are Union Dues?
Dues are based on your hourly wage, you will select your wage range when you sign up online (https://cwa3170.unioni.se/signup).
Dues will start approximately 1 month after you sign up. For our GRU unit, dues will begin when a contract is ratified (after voting on the contract is complete). If you are a new hire, dues will start after your 6 months probation is completed.
Can I join while still in my Probationary Period?
You can join while still in your probationary period, you will not pay any dues until you have successfully completed probation. We encourage every new hire to join, we need 60% in every unit, every member counts. We are limited regarding representation during your first 6 months, which is why we do not collect dues.
What if I do not want to join?
We live in a right to work state, you do not have to join….BUT… Right now, the October deadline to re-certify is quickly approaching. New Anti-union laws have passed and now we need 60% of eligible employees to join or we risk losing the Union contract in each unit – City of Gainesville Non-Supervisory, City of Gainesville Supervisory, Gainesville Housing Authority, Gainesville Regional Utilities Non-Supervisory & Gainesville Regional Utilities Supervisory Units. We need 60% in each or we risk losing that contract. We can recertify with an Election, but the 2026 law requires 50% of our unit to vote and we will need a majority of that number. If you choose not to join, you could be putting every member at risk of losing their contract.
If you would prefer to join in person or over the phone, or have more questions please contact Union Organizer, Jenn Powell 352-215-2243 or email jpowellcwa3170@gmail.com.
