The Members Run This Union !
Independence
In UE Local 222-CILU/CIPU, we believe in the right to make free and informed decisions on any and all matters concerning your Union. As an Independent Union, we are NOT beholden to any corporate interests, political parties, individual politicians or, most of all - any "Labor or Union Boss". We are the ONLY truly Independent Union that represents Municipal Employees in the State of Connecticut, which is why we are known as "Connecticut's Home for Independent Unions", and we will always fight to remain free. As a Member of UE 222-CILU/CIPU, you will also be a part of UE - The National Home for Independent Unions ! UE brings the Solidarity, strength and resources of a National Union to all UE 222-CILU/CIPU Members, in the same democratic, militant, rank-and-file style it has believed in since 1936 !
Democracy
We believe that an active and involved Rank and File Membership is the bedrock of Union Democracy. In UE 222-CILU/CIPU you have the absolute right to elect your own Stewards and Officers to represent your interests, in free and open elections. Your Local will also have elected representation on the UE 222-CILU/CIPU Council, our local's highest governing body. The Council Executive Board is made up of Union Members just like you - they work as drivers, secretaries, paraeducators, custodians, police officers, dispatchers, etc. They have no other special interest except ensuring that our Union remains independent, free and democratic, and provides our Members with the service and representation they deserve. In UE 222-CILU/CIPU, the Members Run the Union !
Solidarity !
Membership in UE 222-CILU/CIPU also means that you are a part of the ONLY National Independent Rank and File Union ! Our affiliation with UE brings us the resources of a National Union in the areas of servicing, research and education, Member and Officer training, key Staff support, communications, Independent political action, new Member organizing and much more !
Training and Support
UE 222-CILU/CIPU provides regular training and education opportunities for our locals and Members ... at our Glastonbury CT offices, on a regional basis throughout the state, or even specialized programs just for your local's needs. Topics include Steward and Officer training, How to Run Your Local, Health and Safety, Contract and Pension Bargaining ... and much more !
See the list of available training topics ! ...
UE 222-CILU/CIPU is also at the forefront of organizing specialized forums and conferences for Paraprofessionals and Paraeducators, Emergency Service Dispatchers and Telecommunicators and Blue-Collar Public Service Employees ... giving these groups of workers the opportunity to meet, discuss and strategize over issues that are unique to their occupations ... and plan for negotiations, training and political action ! We believe this work to be so important, that we extend our invitations to these events to ALL workers, regardless of their union affiliation, a very progressive attitude for Connecticut unions !!
Negotiations
UE 222-CILU/CIPU will provide your Local with a highly competent, experienced chief negotiator to advise your Negotiating Team and Membership. The final product is a collective bargaining agreement to improve and protect your rights, wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions - and also provides you with the tools to get respect and power on the job for your Members.
Support
Your Local Executive Board will receive training on how to run an effective local dedicated to protecting your rights. Your Stewards will be trained on how to properly handle grievances, what is and is not an unfair labor practice, and how to be on guard on behalf of your health and safety on the job, among other important topics. UE 222-CILU/CIPU also has extensive resource material to draw from including municipal contracts and labor board decisions, and the services of the UE National Research Department.
Dues
In 2006, UE222-CILU/CIPU Sub-locals voted to adopt The Graduated Flat Rate Monthly Dues:
Hrly.Wage 2007 2008 2009
$10 & under $22 $23 $24
$10.01 - 15 $24 $25 $27
$15.01 - 20 $28 $30 $32
$20.01 - 25 $31 $33 $35
$25.01 - 30 $34 $36 $38
$30.01 + $38 $39 $40
20 hours/week or less pay one-half dues
Increase takes effect January 1 of each year, based on hourly wage as of July 1 or prior year
Any UE222- CILU/CIPU dues increase must be approved by 2/3 of its voting locals before going into effect. This is a right guaranteed by our Constitution ... just one way that UE 222-CILU/CIPU is different from most other unions !!
Join UE 222-CILU/CIPU !
First, sign an authorization card and encourage your fellow workers to also sign a card. Once at least 30% of your unit has signed cards, a petition will be filed with the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations (CSBLR).
Then an informal conference is held to determine a date for an election which is conducted by the CSBLR by secret ballot. If a majority of the unit present votes for UE 222-CILU/CIPU, you have just selected to become a part of a democratic Independent Union that is run by its Rank and File Membership !
Yes, under the state regulations there is a "window period" for you to "escape" from your current Union and join UE 222-CILU/CIPU. That "window period" is 180 days to 150 days prior to contract expiration. Example: If your contract expires June 30, 2006, then your window period is January 1, 2006, to February 1, 2006.
Grievances or Unfair Labor Practices
Under the Municipal Employee Relations Act (MERA), your Union has a continuing legal obligation to process any grievance on labor issues filed prior to joining another Union. If, for any reason, your Union failed to properly and earnestly process your local's grievances, an unfair labor practice would be filed protecting your rights. Furthermore, if necessary, UE 222-CILU/CIPU would assume responsibility for any grievance or complaint that wasn't being pursued.
Summary of the Benefits of being a UE 222-CILU/CIPU Member
Maintain your Independence and your right to choose
Support and experience of UE - the only National Independent Rank and File Union
No "hidden agenda" or special interests interfering with true Union Democracy
Union is run by your fellow Members who truly understand your needs and concerns
Elected Representatives that will serve the interests of the Union, not themselves
An elected Member from your Local on UE 222-CILU/CIPU’s governing Council
Full Service Staff and qualified and experienced chief negotiator
Training for your Officers and Stewards and proper preparation of grievances
Prior discussion on grievance disposition and an elected Local Grievance Committee
Timely updates on contract negotiations
A Contract to protect your rights, wages, benefits and working conditions
Contact Us Today to Learn More !
Connecticut's Home for Independent Unions !
The Members Run This Union !
