What Will Dues Cost You?
When you choose to pay dues to a union, you’re making the decision to give your money to an outside organization, rather than using it for your investment.
How Much Will I Pay?
Elected officials of the union set the union dues. Typically, it will be 2.5 times your hourly wage per month. For example, an associate earning $25 per hour will pay $62.50 per month, or $750 annually.
Curious exactly how much you will pay? Use this Dues Payment Calculator to see how much you would pay by month and by year. This is an estimate. Amounts could be higher or lower based on actual dues, fees, and assessments charged by the union.
Consider This:If 800 unionized workers paid what you could end up paying in dues, the union would get $600,000 every year and about $1,800,000 from your co-workers over a three-year contract.
This is an estimate. Actual results may vary.
Dues vs. Investment
Paying union dues is just one part of the equation. What if you took that same amount of money and invested it into Airstream’s 401(k) retirement program or a savings account? How much money would you save towards retirement?
Use the Dues vs. Investment Calculator to get a quick idea.
- Enter your anticipated monthly dues amount.
- Select the estimated Rate of Return on your 401(k). (Historically, the average rate of return is 7%.)
- Input the number of years remaining until you plan to retire.
You will see the total amount you will pay in dues, as well as the amount that you could have earned by investing it. That is the REAL lost value! Again, these are based upon estimates, and actual amounts can vary.
Consider This: Airstream matches non-union 401(k) contributions at 50% of the first 6% of your contribution. That’s a great return on your investment!
| 401(K) Plan Calculator | |
|---|---|
| Enter your monthly dues amount | |
| What is your estimated Rate of Return on your 401(k)? | |
| How many years until you retire? | |
| Total dues spent | |
| Total Amount You Could Save In Your 401k Plan (Plus Company Match) | |
| This is an estimate. Actual results may vary. | |
Strikes Aren’t Free
When a union chooses to go on strike, you assume the risk and pay the price. In addition to losing your paycheck, you become responsible for paying 100% of the premiums for your health benefits through COBRA.
COBRA insurance premiums reflect the full cost of coverage and are significantly higher than typical associate premiums, which are largely subsidized by the company. Airstream assumes approximately 80% of the monthly costs, leaving you to cover the remaining 20%.
| Estimated Monthly Benefit Expense* PPO1 – Plan 60 |
Estimated Monthly Benefit Expense* PPO2 – Plan 62 |
|
| Associate | $ 835.72 | $ 776.85 |
| Associate + Spouse | $ 1,671.43 | $ 1,553.77 |
| Associate + Child(ren) | $ 1,638.99 | $ 1,525.41 |
| Associate + Family | $ 2,631.31 | $ 2,448.32 |
*Assumes medical, dental, and vision coverage elected.
Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on the most common Airstream plan.
Use the Strike Loss Calculator to determine how much it would cost you to be on strike.
- Input your weekly pay rate.
- Use the chart above to find the Monthly Benefit Expense.
- Input the number of weeks and any Weekly Strike Pay.
Keep in mind that strike pay, if the union decides to pay at all, usually doesn’t start until the third week of a strike. You can find this information in the union’s bylaws. It is typically $300-$500 per week.
Consider This: it could take years to recover the amount of money you would lose in a strike, even if you received a pay raise or other benefit as a result of the strike.
Strike Loss Calculator