Membership and Getting Involved

New to all this? Start with What is a Union? for the basics. This page is about how it works here — joining Local 2975, what dues cover, and how to get involved.

Local 2975

What is a “local”?

A local is the union at a particular workplace. We are Local 2975, and we represent approximately 270 City of Corvallis positions in Public Works, the Library, Parks & Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, and the City Manager’s Office, and in civilian roles supporting the Police and Fire departments.

Each local elects its own leadership from its own membership and negotiates its own contract with its own employer. Oregon AFSCME provides staff, training and support — but the decisions here are made by the people who work here.

Who makes up the union?

You and your coworkers. There is no one else. Members elect the officers, elect the bargaining team, set the priorities, and vote on whether to accept a contract.

Joining

Why should I join?

Three reasons come up most often when Oregon AFSCME surveys its members:

• Pay. Oregon AFSCME reports that union workers earn close to 20% more than comparable non-union workers.
• Benefits. Health coverage, retirement and paid leave are negotiated, not granted. They stay good because someone bargains for them.
• A voice at work. Scheduling, job security, safety, pay for specialized skills — these are all things a contract can address, and all things you have no say over without one.

There is also a practical reason specific to bargaining: only members vote on the contract.

How do I join?

Sign a membership card, online or on paper, at join.oregonafscme.org. It takes a few minutes. If you would rather do it in person, email AFSCME2975@gmail.com and we will get a card to you.

I’m covered by the contract but not a member. What’s the difference?

Everyone in the bargaining unit is covered by the contract and receives its wages and benefits. Members pay dues, vote in union elections and on whether to ratify a contract, and can serve as stewards or on the bargaining team. Non-members still receive representation, but do not vote.

Should I join during my probationary period?

Yes. From your first day you are covered by nearly everything in the contract. The one exception is that employees terminated during probation cannot use the grievance and arbitration process.

Joining early means you have a vote sooner, and it means one more person standing with everyone else.

How much are dues?

Dues are set by each local’s elected leadership and generally run about 1.27% of base pay. Overtime and premium pay are not counted. Dues come out through payroll deduction.

Do my dues pay for political campaigns?

No. Dues cover the work of running the union — bargaining, representation, member services and administration. Political contributions are separate, entirely voluntary, and made through a political action committee that you can give to or ignore as you choose.

What do I get for my dues?

• A vote on your contract and a say in bargaining.
• Representation when something goes wrong at work.
• AFSCME Advantage member benefits — scholarships for members and their children, consumer and insurance discounts, and more.
• More members means more leverage. That is not a benefit you receive so much as one you help create.

Bargaining and representation

What is bargaining, and what can we negotiate?

Members elect a bargaining team of coworkers who, with an Oregon AFSCME representative, meet with management to negotiate wages, benefits and working conditions.

Priorities are set beforehand by members, through surveys and meetings. The team brings your priorities to the table — it does not invent its own.

Does being in a union mean we have to strike?

No. A strike is a last resort, and under Oregon law it can only happen after members vote to authorize it and a series of legal steps has been completed. Most contracts are settled without one.

What is a Contract Action Team?

A Contract Action Team, or CAT, is a network of members who keep their coworkers informed during bargaining and bring information back to the bargaining team.

A CAT member typically stays in touch with up to ten coworkers. The work is small and practical — passing along a survey, getting a quick read on a proposal, reminding people about a meeting, handing out buttons. Most of it takes a few minutes on a break.

It should be done on your own time rather than on work time. You have the right to talk about union matters during the workday so long as you are not stopping work to do it, but CAT tasks belong on breaks, lunches, or before and after your shift.

If you want to be part of it, email AFSCME2975@gmail.com.

Rights you already have

Can I have a union representative in a meeting with management?

Yes — if you ask for one. Under Article 29, you may request union representation when the City calls a meeting to discuss discipline. You may also request it at an investigatory or work plan meeting when you have reason to believe the discussion could lead to discipline, and at any suspension or pre-discharge hearing.

Two things to know. The right is yours to invoke — nobody will offer it. And a meeting will not be held up waiting for one particular representative if another is available.

If you are called into a meeting and you are unsure, it is always reasonable to ask whether the discussion could lead to discipline, and to request representation if the answer is yes or unclear.

For the rest of your rights under the contract — discipline, personnel records, equal treatment, and the grievance procedure — see Your Contract.

Working with management

What is LMAT?

The Labor Management Advisory Team is a standing committee written into Article 7 of our contract. Up to three people from the union and three from the City meet to work through ongoing labor-management issues and to advise the City Manager on productivity, morale and problem-solving.

Either side can call a meeting, and the contract says it should be scheduled within fourteen days where practicable. LMAT cannot change the contract and has no role in grievances — it is a place to raise things before they become disputes.

One part of it is worth knowing about. Under Section 7.4, supervisors with recruitment or retention problems can bring them to LMAT, which can recommend solutions to the City Manager and to AFSCME — including compensation for licenses and certifications that a job description does not require.

If something in your work group keeps coming up and never gets resolved, LMAT may be the right route. Email AFSCME2975@gmail.com.

What other joint committees are there?

Article 34 lists the committees where members sit down with management: departmental and Executive Safety Committees, LMAT, the Health Care Review Committee, the contract negotiation team, and joint grievance investigation teams.

The contract is explicit that no one may be penalized or rewarded for taking part. Meetings are scheduled with notice to your supervisor and in a way that limits disruption to your work unit.

Who do I contact if I have a problem at work?

Start with a steward or with AFSCME2975@gmail.com.

Oregon AFSCME also runs a Member Services Center for questions about your contract or your rights on the job: 1-844-758-6466, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, with live chat during business hours at msc.oregonafscme.org.

How do I become a steward?

Stewards are members who represent their coworkers — answering contract questions, sitting in on meetings with management, and helping file grievances. Training is provided. Email AFSCME2975@gmail.com to find out when the next training is scheduled.