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Member Benefits > Full Member vs. Fair Share Fee Payer

Membership Status - Full Member vs. Fair Share Fee Payer

Contact Lynn Jansen (651.227.3623 or 800.622.0289) to request a change of status.

All employees who are identified as members of the Bargaining Unit by the Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS) are covered by the provisions of the contract. The Exclusive Representative (MSEA) is required to represent all employees in the Unit, not just the full members. MSEA must process all grievances and represent all employees in negotiations, mediation and arbitration.

What are the advantages of being a full member of MSEA?
1) Most importantly, you have a voice; you are part of the decision-making process. You vote on contract matters, vote for delegates to the annual Delegate Assembly and vote on unit decisions.

2) You may hold a local or state office and can help decide where the state organization is going and how your local unit will be run.

3) You are automatically covered by two MSEA insurance policies:
         - $2,000 Life Insurance policy
         - $2,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy

4) Other benefits available to you include:
         - ten $500 educational scholarships awarded yearly
         - United Educators Credit Union membership
         - low-cost auto/home/cycle insurance
         - union training opportunities offered by MSEA

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What does it mean to be a fair share fee payer?
1) The State of Minnesota has ruled that since fair share fee payers benefit from the negotiated contract, they must pay their "fair share" to the exclusive representative (MSEA), which is no more than 85% of a full member.

2) A fair share fee payer has chosen not to participate in union activities. They cannot vote, hold local or state office or take advantage of member-only benefits.

What’s the monetary difference?
The difference in dollars between participating as a full member versus a fair share fee payer is only a few dollars. For example:

That $3.50 buys you the right to voice your opinion about negotiations and vote on contractual issues as well as access to a number of member-only benefits. Even if you’re not "pro union" wouldn’t it be worth $3.50 per month to have the opportunity to let MSEA know how you feel about your terms and conditions of employment?

Don’t be fooled, your district knows how many fair share fee payers are in your unit and can use that information to divide and conquer. When we do not have strong involvement by our membership we send the message that we are not united and therefore our bargaining power is weakened. Consider the benefits and advantages of joining MSEA as a full member.

Together we can be a strong voice for effecting positive change to your working terms and conditions. Remember, in unity there is strength!

Contact Lynn Jansen (651.227.3623 or 800.622.0289) to request a change of status.

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