MEMBERSHIP & DUES FAQs


Who is covered by this contract? 

All graduate students enrolled in Dartmouth degree programs who are employed to provide teaching and research services, including teaching assistants and research assistants, are covered by this contract. 


How do I become a member of GOLD-UE Local 261? 

To become a current member of the Union, you must sign a membership card and pay monthly membership dues. The easiest way to do this is to fill out a digital membership/dues authorization form. You must be a member to participate in the ratification vote. 

If you were previously a member, to become a current member, you must sign a new digital membership card.


I am currently paying dues to GOLD-UE Local 261 voluntarily -- do I need to continue paying those voluntary dues? 

We will stop collecting voluntary dues in the near future and institute dues collection as agreed upon in the tentative agreement.


What are union dues? 

Dues fund a strong union that can win better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union dues go directly to GOLD-UE Local 261 and the UE national and regional unions to fund the training, support, materials, staff and other resources we need to maintain an independent, democratic, rank-and-file union.


How much are union dues for GOLD-UE Local 261? 

Union dues are 1.44% of our gross monthly stipend. All RAs or TAs who receive the full benefits and protections of the contract are required to pay dues as union members with voting privileges. 


What are dues collected by GOLD-UE used for?

Two-thirds (⅔) of collected dues go to UE national, who have helped us organize and bargain our contract. UE uses these dues to support organizing at other workplaces as well as for resources for UE locals such as access to a labor lawyer. The remaining one-third (⅓) of dues will remain with us at GOLD. While it will ultimately be up to our membership to decide what we use dues for, similar locals have set up hardship funds, attend labor conferences, and are saving for future strike funds.


Do I have to pay dues? 

If you are covered by our contract, you must become a member of  GOLD-UE Local 261 and pay dues.

Importantly, becoming a member of the union gives you the right to vote in union elections, run for union officer and steward positions, vote at General Body Meetings (GBMs), and participate in the decision-making and democracy of our union. Only union members are eligible to vote. 


How can I pay my dues? 

The most convenient way to pay dues is by signing up for payroll deduction using the digital membership/dues authorization form. By filling out this form, your dues will automatically be deducted from your paycheck and forwarded to GOLD-UE Local 261..

If you would prefer not to use this convenient method of automatic payment, you may pay your dues directly to GOLD-UE Local 261 on a monthly basis.


When will dues start being collected? 

We will begin collecting dues shortly after the contract is ratified. We will send out an email informing you of dues collection 4 weeks prior to the first dues collection. Deductions will not start before we receive our stipend increases.


I have questions about union membership or dues. Who should I ask? 

You can send us an email at goldartmouth@gmail.com. 


Who is excluded from the bargaining unit? 

The following groups are excluded from the unit: