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New Employees


Welcome to the bargaining unit! Clerical employees in Local 3800 work together
to secure a fair contract, then to enforce that contract. If
you're a new University employee in a clerical position, contact the
Union Local office at (612) 379-3918, for information about membership
in Local 3800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to become a member?

  • A large and diverse membership is the main source of a Union's strength.
  • As a member you are showing support for our accomplishments, both past and future.
  • When our Union makes decisions together in elections and meetings it is the membership who participate in those decisions.
  • A high membership rate also creates the potential for us to negotiate strong contracts.

How do I become a member?

To change your status from fairshare to member, you only need to
fill out and sign a membership card. Please call the union office at
612-379-3918 or email us to have someone bring or send you a card. If you're not sure whether you're fairshare or a member, contact us.

What does 'fairshare' mean?

When you start working at the U of M, you are automatically
classified as 'fairshare'. This means that you are represented by the
union in contract negotiations and you receive the benefits of the
union (steward help, contract gains, etc), but you only pay 85% of the
full dues and you cannot vote in the local union leadership elections
or on whether to accept a contract or to reject it and authorize a
strike. The 'fairshare' and 'member' distinction is mandated by
Minnesota state law in the Public Employees Labor Relations Act
(PELRA). All bargaining unit-represented public employees in Minnesota
have the right to be a union member or to refuse to be a member and
thus be classified as 'fairshare'.

What's the story on dues?

This is the story.