Frequently Asked Questions

Photo by D. Ross Cameron / BANG-East Bay

What is “collective bargaining”?

A practice under which employee representatives (unions) and employers determine the conditions of employment through direct negotiation, normally resulting in a written contract that sets wages, hours, and other conditions to be observed for a stipulated period of time.

What does collective bargaining mean to me?

It means you have experienced negotiators working on your behalf. Union employees earn 26.9% more than non-union workers, and enjoy substantially better benefits.

Who runs the union?

Members run our local and managed by a board of elected CWA officers. We also employ full-time staff that handle all the administrative functions of the office and handle a variety of other responsibilities.

What is a steward?

Stewards are employees who volunteer their help to make sure the contract is followed. They do this by answering your questions, helping you find solutions to problems, and representing you in meetings with your managers. Wondering what your rights and responsibilities are? Check with a steward. They should be your first contact if you have a problem on the job.

When should I ask a steward to represent me?

You have the right to have a steward present at any meeting that you believe could be disciplinary in nature. If a manager asks to speak with you in private, ask a steward to go with you. Why? Not because you can’t stand up for yourself, but because a steward standing beside you makes you a stronger employee, one who won’t be taken advantage of, intimidated, or treated inappropriately. A steward also can help you and your manager work out solutions to problems. Managers should know you have the right to a steward, and should not prevent you from exercising that right. You will find that encounters with managers can be far more fair and productive when a steward is present. If you go into a manager’s office alone, it’s your word against theirs if any information from that meeting sparks an issue. (See Weingarten Rights)

How can I become a steward?

Contact the CWA Local 9400 office at 562-259-9430. If you are interested in helping your fellow employees, and are willing to learn, and occasionally give up some of your time, SCMG welcomes your efforts and will provide the necessary training.

How can I get involved in the union?

Contact the CWA Local 9400 office at 562-259-9430. Your participation is always welcome, whether it is helping educate employees about SCMG, attending a meeting, or just wearing a button that shows your support.

Why should I join the union when I get all the benefits of membership without paying dues?

Because it’s not fair to those employees who are members. The law requires the union to represent all employees regardless of membership, but you only have union benefits because your fellow workers pay for them. If you choose not to join, you cannot vote on a contract or other issues that are brought before the membership. You cannot attend bargaining meetings that are open to union members. You cannot take advantage of a number of benefits available only to members, such as those offered through Union Plus. And you cannot say that you support efforts to maintain and improve our wages and benefits. By not joining the union, you weaken its efforts. We are stronger when we stand together.

Can I be disciplined or treated unfairly for being a union member?

No. You have a legal right to join a union. Management is prohibited by law from interfering in union activity. The employees most likely to be treated unfairly are those who don’t belong to the Guild and don’t know their rights.

Will joining the union prevent me from moving into management?

No. Many of our current managers are former union members.

What about dues?

Dues are equal to two and one quarter hours pay per month per member.

Where do your dues go?

That is a question that comes up more then one would think.

The following are some of the costs that membership dues pay for:

• All costs relating to negotiating contracts

• Enforcement of contracts including handling of grievances and arbitrations

• Legal fees

• Research on employers' benefit plans and finances to better prepare us for bargaining

• Lobbying for legislation important to workers’ rights

• Programs to provide safe and healthy workplaces

• Educational programs and publications

• Programs for creating equal opportunity

• Public relations

• Organizing

• Members’ defense fund

• Community services