How Does Our Union Work?

What is our union, AFSCME LOCAL 3299 all about?

AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) Local 3299 is a dynamic labor union dedicated to fighting for workers' rights while strengthening its membership.  Local 3299 represents 20,000 University of California workers at the ten campuses and five medical centers. Workers represented include custodians, food service workers, cooks, bus drivers, licensed vocational nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants and techs. We are a democratic, member run union that believes in Teaching workers how to use collective action to solve problems and gain power at work.

What will the union do for us?

The strength of our union depends on how many members get involved. The more members we have, the more power we have to get what we want.

What is the difference between paying "Fair Share" fees and being a Union Member?

"Fair Share" requires everyone to pay for the cost of bargaining our union contract, handling grievances and arbitrations, etc. Before, only 15% of us were paying union dues, but the union was required to represent 100% of the employees. That's a big reason why our union was so weak, because we didn't have the resources to cover the whole workforce. Now, everyone is paying, and our union is getting stronger. There is NO difference in cost between "Fair Share" and Membership.

The big difference between "Fair Share" fee payers and union members is that union members have the right to vote in union elections. Members approve or disprove union contracts with UC, and elect our bargaining committee and chapter officers. "Fair Share" fee payers are not members of the union, and therefore do not have the right to vote in union elections. To become an AFSCME member, contact the AFSCME office in your area.