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What are your Union dues, where do they go and what is the benefit of Union membership?

The New Haven Federation of Teachers is your bargaining agent with the City.  The state legislature allows the NHFT to collect what is called an Agency fee from each certified employee in the school system.  This is not an option and it is not Union dues.

Union dues, on the other hand, are paid by choice.  Each of you is being provided a membership card.  By signing this card, you agree to allow Payroll to deduct an additional $4.00 per month over a 10-month period to be a member of the New Haven Federation of Teachers. 

For 2007-2008, the Agency fee is set at $53.50 per month for 10 months or $535.00 per year.

NHFT Union membership adds the additional $4.00 bringing the monthly deduction to $57.50 for ten months or $575.00 per year.

Based on the 2006-2007 increases, once you agree to be an NHFT member, your monthly deduction is dispersed as follows.

AFT dues per month (for 12 months) are $13.95 or $167.40 annually.

AFT CT dues per month (for 12 months) are $15.88 or $190.56 annually.

The State Affiliation fee (AFL-CIO) is $00.70 per month (for 12 months) or $8.40 annually.

Accident insurance is $00.25 per month (for 12 months) or $3.00 annually.

Greater New Haven Central Labor Council fee is $00.40 per month (for 12 months) or $4.80 annually.

The total obligation paid to affiliates is $374.16 annually.

Whatever is not allocated to the above from members’ deductions is used for administrative costs, i.e. ownership and upkeep of the Union Hall, supplies and mailings, office staff salaries and benefits, legal fees, expenses associated with grievances, officer salaries and/or stipends, investments, NHFT sponsored professional development, accountant fees, negotiations, etc.

We have an elected Treasurer, and a private accountant.  Additionally, AFT requires a local of our size to have a double audit each year.  One is done by our accountant, and the other must be done by an independent C.P.A.

Because the NHFT has private sector affiliates, i.e. Cedarhurst and the V.N.A., we also come under the scrutiny and jurisdiction of the Department of Labor.

Union membership gains strength through numbers.  It assures you due process in addressing grievances. (Whether you join or not, the Union is bound to support all certified personnel and does so impartially.)  Additionally, membership provides you a say in the governance of the local, state and national by giving you the power to vote and also to run for office.  Unions are the best example of democracy in that they are member run.  On a less important plane, membership affords certain discounts for products and services.

The national provides many benefits that you can read about in your packet of information or that you can find out about online at www.aft.org, or by calling AFT at 1-(800) 238-1133.  

You have also been provided a pink card.  This is an accident insurance benefit of up to $25,000 provided by AFT for accidental death or dismemberment. 

The NHFT covers each member for $3,000 in term life benefits in addition to the $55,000 provided by the City.

At the 2006 AFT National Convention, the NHFT was honored at a Pride of the Union reception for its outstanding record of over 90% membership. Let’s work to have 100% membership!  Get to know your building steward, attend a meeting from time to time, visit the website (www.aftct.org/nhft) call, email, or fax the office with any concerns or questions and welcome to the NHFT if you are new to New Haven.  Thank you to all of our members!