What does a steward do?
A Steward serves a 1-year term, beginning January 1 each year. In brief, a steward helps to enforce our contract. They stick up for colleagues, act as an intermediary between us and our supervisors/HR during disputes, investigate contract violations, and communicate important information to all of us. Stewards are an essential part of union self-governance. No previous union or steward experience is required. Stewards receive training from OPEIU.
Who do I contact at the union?
For the most part, you should contact any of the Stewards, who are all Augbsurg staff. If you need to talk to someone at the OPEIU office, you can contact Molly Thul at mthul@opeiu12.org
How much are dues?
Dues are 2 times your hourly wage plus 9:50, to a maximum of $56/month.
What raises can I expect?
- Our contract has retention raises of 1.5% after 3 years at Augsburg, 1% after 6 years, and 1% after 9 years.
- We also have 2% annual raises in January of 2023 and January of 2024
What’s in the contract?
You can view the outline of the contract here: http://augsburgstaffunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/First-Contract-Outline-1.pdf
What’s the deal with Parental Leave?
We negotiated 6 weeks of paid parental leave on the becoming a parent either to a newborn, newly adopted, or newly placed foster child. The leave can be taken in two blocks up to one year after becoming a parent. There are some more rules around the leave, they’re in the contract outline on slide 6.
Can the union help me if I’m being punished?
You have the right to union representation any time you face a meeting or discussion with management that could lead to discipline. You must ask for your rights!
Augsburg must give you adequate time to contact a union representative and schedule a meeting time that allows the representative to be present at the meeting.
Here’s what you can say or read, to your supervisor or person requesting the meeting:
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my union steward or union representative be at this meeting. Please consider this a continuing request: Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”