Federal Employees Benefits Q &A

Simply put, no.

You get a coffee mug and baseball cap for about $40 per pay period.

And all of the union benefits that non-members get.

Now, I understand that AFGE needs funding; I'm not arguing that.

But I funded it for the better part of eleven years and, when I return to the US next week (there's no CBA or union overseas) I will not be re-joining. I feel that I've already contributed enough to the cause.

Cheers!

Hey, give me a break, it's been four years.

Maybe I was thinking $40/month.

Yes. Most definetly worth it. Been working government for a long time. Used to not be so political. I don't care if you are a liberal or conservative, if you are a government worker your retirement, pay, raises, holidays, etc is all affected by the government. *****, just think about how our retirement is FERS now and it used to be so much better. Your Union funds go into fighting the government every year as they try to reduce your benefits including retirement and AFGE is the one that stop it and fight it. AFGE just got more leave for new male parents that just recently had babies.

Wherever you stand on this whole COVID Vaccine business (I don't judge either way), the agency has given you the option of opting out of mandatory COVID vaccines via religious or medical exemptions. This is negotiated by NVAC (National Veteran's Affairs Council) which is AFGE.

Additionally, Yes the Union will support and back you whether you are a member or not. Some say, it doesn't matter because, AFGE will represent me either way. HOWEVER, if the reasons above isn't enough to make you join consider this:

You can plan on being a good worker and decide, I will never get in trouble so what is the point, right? You know what you can't plan for, workplace injuries including COVID. You get hospitalized or injured during work and need to work on your worker's comp, I GUARANTEE, the agency will do everything they can to stiff you on paying you for being out of work, light duty, etc. Guess who you need then...AFGE, there is literally 1 person that can help you with fighting/Arbitrating/Etc. the agency....Worker's Comp, EEO, and MSPB/FLRA are some of the things AFGE WILL NOT help you on unless you are a member...Not because, your local AFGE doesn't want to but because, the 1 person in AFGE (That handles worker's comp everything Nation-wide) will not unless you are a member. (This is legal, he is not a part of the agency and he has a right to do so.

Ronald Reagan and those in congress wanted to "SHORE UP" Social Security, and when they pass a law, they pass a law. You can't change Washington. Period.
Unions cannot "Bargain" those things. Just like you could not bargain the FERS contributions of 0.8% then 3.2% then 4.2% (or so....it's the law)
What would happen if DC increased those contributions to HALF, like maybe 7% ? Hint....*** NOTHING ***

Because the FAA wanted to move into a different system, they were REQUIRED to bargain. There IS a difference.

Also, if you're one of those people that like getting stuff for free while Union members pay for the representation, you should consider yourself a "Socialist".
I'm a progressive, but I WILL support unions and the like.

Coz if folks like ME change our minds and stop supporting the union. You get nothing. Because of people like us, you get the benefits.

Also, as a union rep for 30+ years....I don't defend PEOPLE. I defend "THE CONTRACT".

There IS a difference between the two. Don't ever get them confused.