Why Membership vs Fairshare Fee?

Here's the top three questions new public employees ask about union membership when considering whether to join OCSEA.

1. How can I tell if I'm a card-carrying, dues-paying union member?

2. What’s the difference between paying union dues and paying a fair share fee?

3. What does OCSEA membership offer that fair share fee payers miss out on?

1. How can I tell if I'm a card-carrying, dues-paying union member?
State employees who want to join the union, submit a completed a membership application card. Check your pay stub / OAKS to find out. If you still have questions, contact your human resources manager and / or OCSEA Membership Information Services.

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2. What’s the difference between paying union dues and paying a fair share fee?

As exclusive representative, OCSEA has a legal obligation to fully represent all assigned bargaining unit employees, members and non-members alike. Non-members pay a fair share fee in the amount of no more than regular union dues. This fee covers the cost of bargaining, implementing, and enforcing the contract.

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3. What does OCSEA membership offer that fair share fee payers miss out on?

Fee payers are not eligible for certain member activities and programs including:

• Voting on union contract
• Electing chapter, district council and assembly officers
• Holding elected office
• Serving as workplace steward
• Being appointed to labor-management committees or Representing union interests on joint committees
• Applying for college scholarships
• Being nominated for union’s community service award
• Saving money through AFSCME Summer Fun Coupons and other consumer offers (i.e. AFSCME Advantage, OCSEA Extras).
• Accessing members-only website features

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