Members who were unable to attend the Local Lodge 16 meetings in March/April 2012 have requested that we provide some additional information with respect to the new Local Lodge Union Dues formula that became effective on April 1, 2012.
The first step in ensuring the success of the Local’s emergence from Trusteeship was to ensure the financial stability of the Local Lodge. Accordingly, effective April 1, 2012, the Local Lodge’s Union Dues formula was amended as follows:
The dues will be equal to the minimum monthly dues as established yearly, effective January 1st by Transportation District 140, plus .5% (1/2 of one per cent) of gross monthly earnings for all employees earning $15.00 per hour or greater or a .25% (1/4 of one percent) of gross monthly earnings for all employees earning less than $15.00 per hour.
The minimum monthly dues is established by Transportation District 140 each year on January 1st. It is comprised of the District Lodge per capita which is established annually by the elected delegates in attendance at the Transportation District 140 Convention, and the Grand Lodge per capita formula which is established every four (4) years by the elected delegates in attendance at the Grand Lodge Convention, plus any Constitutional required affiliation fees to Federal and Provincial Labour bodies, like the Canadian Labour Congress or the BC Federation of Labour. The minimum monthly dues as established on January 1, 2012 is $48.55. The bi-weekly formula for deduction is $48.55 x 12 divided by 26 pay periods = $22.41 bi-weekly.
The gross earnings deductions were established by reviewing the wage rates and employment status of members, ie. part-time versus full-time, across all nine (9) of the bargaining units with Local Lodge 16, throughout British Columbia. A comprehensive review of Local Lodge expenditures for 2011 was done, which established a modest budget for 2012, supported by the gross earnings dues deduction rates established. All gross earnings dues deductions are utilized to fund the activities and expenses of the Local Lodge, including elections, education, shop steward training, officer/committee lost time, negotiations costs, legal fees/costs, airport rent, property taxes, insurance, support staff salaries, office supplies, equipment leases, conferences and conventions, etc. The wages of fulltime and part-time Chief Shop Stewards within the Local Lodge are paid under the respective Collective Agreement and applicable provisions not from Union dues.
Please be guided accordingly and advise if further clarification is required. In solidarity,
Tania Canniff, Deputy Local Lodge 16, IAM & AW
