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Non-member Dues Calculations

Workers have a legal right not to join a union. However, if contract language and state law permits, workers in a bargaining unit where a union is the exclusive representative can be required to tender union dues. These workers are termed financial core members. They cannot be required to pay anything beyond the costs of collective bargaining and are entitled to financial statements outlining these costs. [see CWA v. Beck, 108 S.Ct. 2641, 128 LRRM 1874 (1988)] Occasionally, workers refuse to join a union on religious grounds and the same rules apply. In November, 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a National Labor Relations Board ruling that unions may charge nonmembers for organizing costs.

Also see the links below:

NLRB poster on workers’ National Labor Relations Act rights (JPEG image file)

Executive Order on posting union dues requirements (PDF file)

NLRB ruling on organizing costs. (PDF file)