Important Update: Proposed TWU Local 579 Dues Increase – Take Action Now!
Dear Supporters,
First and foremost, THANK YOU to everyone who has signed this petition against the unfair dues increase. Your support is crucial, and I want to provide an update and a refresher for anyone who may not be familiar with the full details of the proposed changes.
Recent Action Taken
This morning, I sent an email to key TWU International Executive representatives, urging the TWU International Administrative Committee to reject the proposed dues increase. The email was sent to:
- John Samuelsen, International President
- Alex Garcia, International Executive Vice President
- Andre Sutton, Air Division Director
- Thom McDaniel, Air Division Staff - International Vice President
- Sean Doyle, Assistant Director of Organizing
- TWU Local 579 Executive Board
(Email addresses listed at the end for reference.)
If you would like to take action as well, I encourage you to email them and demand they reject this amendment.
Understanding the Proposed Dues Increase
On January 1st, the TWU Local 579 Executive Board submitted an amendment to our by-laws proposing a $13.36 increase in union dues, raising them from $35 to $48.36 per month—a 38.1% increase. But that’s not all.
They are also proposing automatic annual increases, tying our dues to any wage increases outlined in the Inflight Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This means that every January, your dues will increase by the same percentage as your negotiated pay raise—redirecting a portion of our hard-earned raises back to the union.
Despite attempts by the Executive Board to justify this increase, their reasoning is unconvincing. After researching, I found no other union has implemented such a steep increase combined with automatic annual increases—except in one case in New York, where members successfully fought back (details attached below).
Why This Matters
If I can’t voice concerns, provide feedback, participate in meaningful discussions, or vote on major decisions as a dues-paying member, why should I pay increased dues?
Instead, I am considering becoming a dues objector—paying only the basic agency fee, without being subjected to ongoing increases—while still receiving the protections of the CBA, as permitted by law.
I urge you to think critically about what you expect from your union leadership. Have they met those expectations? If not, decide what’s right for you—and if you agree with our stance, please share this petition with others.
Upcoming Membership Meeting – March 26th
- Date: Wednesday, March 26th
- Time: 12 PM EST
- RSVP Deadline: Passed, but you can request a login from your base executives.
- Why It’s Important: This is our chance to oppose the dues increase directly to leadership.
Our Plan to Push Back
1. Sign & Share the Petition ASAP
We are gathering signatures from our 7,000+ members. The more signatures, the stronger our voice!
2. Before March 26: COMPLETED
We will send a formal letter to TWU International, urging them to reject the dues increase and requesting that Local 579 leadership either reconsider the percentage increase or remove the automatic hike.
3. March 26 Membership Meeting:
We will present all collected signatures and demand that leadership take member concerns seriously.
4. Next Steps Based on the Outcome:
- If the dues increase is approved:
- November: Use our voting rights to elect a new governing body before applying for dues objector status.
- January: Submit letters to become dues objectors.
- If the dues increase is rejected:
- Immediately push for greater member engagement—including surveys, open meetings, and consistent feedback opportunities.
- November: Vote for leadership that prioritizes transparency and member involvement.
Important Resources
- LMRDA: Union Dues Objector - Union dues | National Labor Relations Board
- Understanding Beck Rights - Union Facts
- TWU Policy on Dues Objectors – Policy #3
- TWU Local 579 All About Dues - Dues Information
- Example of NYC Workers Blocking a Dues Increase
FAQs:
If I choose not to join the Union, what is the Service Charge/Agency Fee for a Non-Member and how much will it be? $26.90 per month.
Key Contacts for Action
If you want to send an email urging TWU International to reject the amendment, contact:
- John Samuelsen – jsamuelsen@twu.org
- Alex Garcia – a-garcia@twu.org
- Andre Sutton – asutton@twu.org
- Thom McDaniel – tmcdaniel@twu.org
- Sean Doyle – sdoyle@twu.org
- TWU Local 579 Executive Board – board@579twu.org
Every signature counts. Let’s stand together to stop this unfair increase. Sign and share the petition today!