There's a lot that VSEA does for everyone where you work, but if you're not a full member, your missing out on some of the most important benefits, available only to members.

You have a voice. Only members have a voice in the collective bargaining agreement, your employment contract. Only members can vote on the contract.

We stand up for you. Members have experienced representation from VSEA stewards and professional staff if you are disciplined, unfairly rated on your evaluation, discriminated against, or if your job is threatened to be contracted out, or any other violation of the contract. Non-members must pay professional fees to VSEA if they want such representation. And agency fee payers have access to such representation because they are already paying 80% of union dues.

Member discounts. The VSEA Advantage Program offers discounts on products and services in businesses throughout Vermont, such as:
- restaurants and lodging.
- VSEA selected Lawyer Referral Program
- members-only rates on auto and homeowners' insurance
- group travel programs and discounts
Check it out at the Discount Directory.

You rule. Only VSEA members govern VSEA. By democratic election, members vote for Officers' and Trustees' seats on the Board, their delegates to the Council, Chapter officers, Unit Chairpersons, and Bargaining Team members. Members can be as involved as they want to be. Members determine VSEA initiatives and agenda by volunteering for various Committees and participating in issue-based activism. And only VSEA members can vote Yes or No on VSEA-bargained contracts.

Get smart. Academic grants are available to VSEA members, their spouses/partners, and dependents through the VSEA Scholarship Awards.

Insurance. VSEA Insurance Plans include life and disability insurance for members only. Check it out on the web (www.vseainsurance.com) or contact Joanne Woodcock, our representative. Phone (802) 223-0373 or e-mail vsea@together.net.

Safety net. The VSEA Member Support Fund grants of up to $500 for members who are suffering financial crises due to reduction in force (RIF) or a catastrophic personal situation (illness, injury, loss).

Inside scoop. Members get confidential communications about VSEA's work on your behalf in bargaining; legislative lobbying; grievance representation, labor-management committees; local chapter programs and more. This is information beyond what's on our website and in the VSEA Voice news-magazine that agency fee/fair share payers may receive.

Feel good. You enjoy the satisfaction of supporting your co-workers - fellow members - in efforts to improve benefits for all State employees.

If you are not a member, join today! Have a say, get to vote.

It's easy. Inform your personnel officer. Or, tap a VSEA member to help you sign up. Or, contact VSEA Headquarters.
VSEA Headquarters
155 State Street
P.O. Box 518
Montpelier, VT 05601-0518
E-mail: vsea@vsea.org
Phone: 802-223-5247
Fax: 802-223-4035

DUES: Union dues are currently $11.55 for a two-week pay period. Agency Fee Payers pay 80% of union dues. These are employees within bargaining unit positions hired since 7/5/98 who must pay an agency fee to the union for contract negotiation and representation who have not yet joined VSEA. Accordingly, their payroll deduction is $9.24 (as 80% of $11.55 is $9.24). Many fee payers employed by the State of Vermont do not realize that they are not union members, because the State only notes that payroll deduction as "VSEA."

Still not convinced you need to join VSEA? Keep reading ...

With a membership of over 6,600 - more than half of the employees of the State of Vermont - VSEA serves as a potent force in determining and resolving labor issues in this state. With more members and member participation, that force is only strengthened.

However, even during a resurgent economy, support for workers' rights and their fair share in the economic boom has not been forthcoming. More public sector work gets contracted out at higher costs to private companies that pay minimal wages and provide few if any worker benefits. Now the economy is tightening up on working people again.

In the public sector, attempts are made to increase workloads without pay increases and to eliminate or decrease worker benefits. Now, more than ever, your membership is vitally important. Join us in creating a State of Vermont that honors working rights and dignity.

VSEA also has a strong history of accomplishments, both in the legislature and through the collective bargaining process. Our record speaks for itself. But our record and our good contracts would not have happened without VSEA members.

"Why the union and membership in it are important ...
· For those established employees who are not paying agency fee: it's only fair to pay for the services you are getting from the union. That is, the contract bargaining and related work. After all, Vermonters always pay their own way.
· And for those who do pay agency fee; since you already pay 80% of dues, go for the little additional to add weight to our negotiations with the administration. Get to participate in the operation of your union, even if it is only by voting."
- Don Robisky, Waterbury Chapter

If you are not a member, join today! Have a say, get to vote.

How? Inform your personnel officer that you want to sign their required payroll deduction form. Or tap a VSEA member to help you sign up. Or contact VSEA Headquarters at 802-223-5247.

So we can continue to provide quality services to the Vermont public .... Support improved working conditions for all Vermonters. Improvements do not happen on their own. It takes all of our efforts, together, to create and secure a better future for Vermont workers.

Look at it this way: Can you afford to not protect your job?