What is the difference between Association Dues and Agency Fee?

 
As you should have been informed at your new employee orientation session, one condition of being a classified employee is the payment of either union dues or an agency service fee. When joining the unit, you need to choose between paying the Association Dues or paying the Agency Service Fee. The following outlines the basic difference between joining the University Staff Association or paying the Agency Service Fee.

Association Dues:

Full-Time:   $17.17/bi-weekly    Half-Time: $8.98/bi-weekly (20 hours or less/week)

By choosing to pay Association Dues, you become a full member of the University Staff Association. There are many benefits to becoming a full member of USA. They are:

• Full rights and benefits outlined in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the University Staff Association and the UMass Board of Trustees.
• The ability to run and vote in local USA elections;  This gives you, the member, the opportunity to vote for your leadership or become a USA leader yourself. Additionally, your voting rights give you more of a voice in many policy decisions that affect your employment at UMass.
• Eligibility for numerous MTA Discounts & Programs which include, but are not limited to various insurance, travel and entertainment discounts. Discount directories are available at the USA Office (5-0165).
• As a dues paying member, you may also be eligible to receive legal representation in certain employment related, non-contractual matters (i.e. MCAD/Civil Service hearings) as well as access to an Attorney Referral Service for other matters. Agency fee payers have no access to this benefit.
• Only Dues Paying members can attend USA Monthly Membership Meetings and join the USA list-serv. This gives you access to the most important information regarding raises and other timely information.

• Full rights and benefits outlined in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the University Staff Association and the UMass Board of Trustees. As an Agency Service Fee payer, you have no access to any of the numerous MTA benefits. The Agency Service Fee covers only the Collective Bargaining Agreement.