We know you have questions. We will do our best to answer them.

What is a union?

A union is an organization formed by workers who join together and use their strength to have a voice in their workplace. Through their union, workers have the ability to negotiate from a position of strength with employers over wages, benefits, workplace health and safety, job training and other work-related issues. Unions also serve an important role making sure that management acts fairly and treats its workers with respect.

Unions are democratic organizations and its leaders are elected by the membership. Members bring ideas for contract improvement to the union during negotiations. Matters of importance to the membership are discussed and voted on at the membership meetings.

Why do I need a union?

You work in public service because you care about your community. We can do more for our neighbors, our families, and each other if we speak with one voice. When we organize as a union, we gain the strength to make real change. Together, we speak with one voice that no one can ignore — not our bosses, not the people we serve, and not our elected officials at any level.

Do union workers get higher wages?

Yes. Workers who are union members earn 26.2 percent more than non-union workers. The difference is even greater for women and people of color. Women and African Americans represented by unions earn between 29.7 and 33.1 percent more than their non-union counterparts. And Latino workers with the union advantage make 47.1 percent more than those not represented by a union.

Do union workers get better benefits?

Yes. Union workers are more likely than their non-union counterparts to have access to health care and pension benefits. Ninety-five percent of union members have health insurance and a pension plan available — versus approximately 68 percent (health insurance) and 63 percent (pension) of those not in a union.

Why do I need a union now?

Some politicians and pundits like to blame public service workers for America’s problems. They say we earn too much, our benefits our too rich, and we have too much political power. They slash our budgets and take our pensions. They give our jobs away to private contractors who pay lower wages.

But public service workers are the backbone of the American middle class. Together, we fight for prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

They want to privatize our jobs, strip us of our rights, and dismantle the services we provide to make our communities stronger and safer. No one who works for the public, no one who cares about supporting a family, no one who cares about building a strong middle class should let that happen.

We have to act now to stop the attacks on our rights and our ability to earn a decent living. That’s why helping more workers join unions and bargain for a better life is so important.

As a union, we work together to build political support for the vital services we provide. We make our families, our communities, and our country stronger.

What is collective bargaining and how does it work?

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation between employees and their employer over wages, working conditions, benefits, and other aspects of workers' compensation and rights.

A committee of our co-workers — chosen by us — sits down and hammers out an agreement known as a "union contract" on every issue of concern to our bargaining unit. The committee sits at the bargaining table as equals with management.

The majority of members must approve the agreement before it can become accepted as a contract.

How much are dues?

Full share dues for AFSCME Council 13 members are 1.5% of your pre-overtime wages. There are no initiation fees.

Where do my dues go?

Dues are divided between the International/Council 13 and the Local. Your dues pay for a wide range of resources, staff, services and supplies that all exist for one reason: to help members improve their pay, benefits and working conditions.

A portion of your dues is returned to your local’s treasury and is used for regular membership meetings and to educate and empower the membership. Local Treasurer's Reports are filed regularly and available for review at your regular local membership meetings.

Does having a union mean there will be strikes?

No. A strike is just one tactic available to workers to pressure their employer, and is a tactic of last resort. The decision to strike is made locally by you and your fellow workers.

It is rare when AFSCME members have found it necessary to strike to achieve dignity on the job. Members always make the decision whether or not they should strike. In most cases, a strong, well-organized local will not have to strike.

How do I join the union?

Please contact your steward for a union card, as this is the best way and most official way to begin your membership in the union. If you cannot reach your steward, do not know who they are, or do not have one, you may contact the Local President or Recording Secretary by clicking on About Us, and then clicking on their name for their contact information.

Who should I contact for ...?

It depends on your situation. Please click on Contact Us (under About Us) and see if your question is answered there. 

How can I support my union?

The union is as strong as you make it. Support your union brothers and sisters in every way possible, participate as much as you are able, and educate potential members and the public about the union. Here are some other ideas.

• Attend membership meetings regularly. We want to hear your voice, and your vote only counts when you take your seat at the meeting. 
• Keep informed. There are a variety of ways to keep up on union matters, from AFSCME.org (International), AFSCME13.org (Council 13/PA), AFSCME Local 2106 a.k.a. this website, to our Members Only Space. Any of these options will allow you to keep up on news that affect you as an employee, union member and community member.
• Get to know your steward. They will be your link with the union. If you have questions, concerns, or workplace issues, you will be able to turn to them for answers or referrals.
• Get to know your local officers. For full contact information, please access our Members Only Space. 
• Participate in union elections, for local officers, contract votes, or local union business. Your opinion makes a difference. 
• Educate others. If you hear about an issue that concerns you, tell others how to get involved. Talk about what being a union member and public service employee means to you. Tell people about the benefits of being in the union.

What is a steward?

A steward is the go-to representative for workers in a particular work location. Representatives' responsibilities include:

• Leadership: putting a face on the union, hearing concerns, and motivating members
• Communication: between members on the worksite, management, and the union
• Organizing: building strength and membership in the workplace
• Representation: whether through informal talks, Labor/Management meetings, or the grievance procedure

How do I become a steward?

Stewards in Local 2106 are appointed by the Local President. If you are interested in becoming a steward, a great start would be to begin attending local membership meetings. You can also contact the Local President to express your interest - click on About Us and click on the president's name for their contact information. Steward training is also available.

Don't see your question here?

Remember that unions are member-run organizations. One great way to get your question answered is to go to your union meeting! Check the event calendar for your next meeting date and location. Otherwise, click on Contact Us (under About Us) to see more options.