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Facts (you can check!) Safe environment Respect Open mind Informed decision Your commitment to each other

WHO: XXXX local XX WHERE: location here WHAT: NLRB election WHEN: Day & Date here SECRET BALLOT WHY?

*Only members can vote on Contracts Strikes Stewards & officers Every union member* must follow the union’s constitution and local bylaws. A union’s constitution spells out  The powers of union officials  Rules all members must follow  How decisions are really made 32 pages!

ARTICLE XIV – Discipline of Local Members Section 1. Members of local unions may be expelled, suspended, fined, removed from office or otherwise disciplined for violation of any of the provisions of the local union constitution and bylaws, the RWDSU Constitution and Bylaws, or the UFCW Constitution. RWDSU Constitution, 2014 ARTICLE XIV – Discipline of Local Members Section 1. Members of local unions may be expelled, suspended, fined, removed from office or otherwise disciplined for violation of any of the provisions of the local union constitution and bylaws, the RWDSU Constitution and Bylaws, or the UFCW Constitution. RWDSU Constitution, 2014 You must follow all RWDSU rules plus UFCW rules or face disciplinary action You can be expelled, suspended, fined and disciplined RWDSU members must follow local bylaws, the RWDSU Constitution and the UFCW International Constitution

As a union member you can be put on trial by your union. ARTICLE XIV – Discipline of Local Members – Section 1. Members of local unions may be expelled, suspended, fined, removed from office or otherwise disciplined for violation of any of the provisions of the local union constitution and bylaws, the RWDSU Constitution and Bylaws, or the UFCW Constitution.” Violating Constitution or Bylaws Trying to get rid of the union “Interfering” with union officials RWDSU International Constitution “Scabbing” “Conduct detrimental to the best interests of the union” “Acting in a manner to bring the union into disrepute” “Violation of union decisions” RWDSU 338 Bylaws, Article XI, Section 2 RWDSU Constitution and local bylaws discipline for

Unions fine members for violating union rules. If you refuse to pay fines the union can Dock your pay Take you to court Demand you lose your job

You must pay union dues, assessments, fees, and fines or lose your job.

1. The revenue of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union shall be derived from per capita tax, assessments, fines, income from bank deposits and investments, and income derived from all other lawful sources. Article VIII, Section Your local union dues could be higher 2. Unions want dues deducted directly from your paycheck. 3. Dues can go up at any time without your consent RWDSU dues = UFCW minimum ($27.08) plus $1 per month

For political campaigns To cover shortages The union can also levy “special assessments” at any time. To pay for strikes or drives Section 6. Members shall pay in advance all dues and shall promptly pay all assessments. Any member who shall be two (2) months in arrears in the payment of dues, assessments or other payments required to be made shall cease to be in good standing and shall automatically be suspended from all rights and privileges of membership. RWDSU Constitution, Article IX, Section 6. For any reason Even if you vote against it Even if you don’t want to pay RWDSU members are legally obligated to pay all assessments.

But isn’t the union a democracy ruled by its members? Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers President: Stuart Applebaum RWDSU.org In the RDSWU the International President: Interprets the constitution and approves all bylaws Can remove any elected local official Has the last word on all contracts and strikes Members have little direct control over union decisions.

Did the organizer offer you a copy of the union’s rules before you signed a card? Why not?

Read Talk Union’s constitution & bylaws Ask family and friends if they ever regretted not reading the fine print What type of things could I be put on trial or fined for by the union? What if I can’t afford to pay my dues, assessments or fines? Will the union have me fired or take me to court? Challenge

In right to work states you cannot be forced to pay dues, fees, fines or assessments as a condition of employment. If you do join the union in a right to work state you still pay dues, and are subject to union rules, fees, fines assessments. Even if you choose not to join the union, non- members must: Follow the union contract Allow union leaders to settle any disputes you have (whether you agree or not) Are not allowed to run for union office Cannot vote on your contract Will be put under pressure to join Also remember, if you don’t join the union, you: