With the struggling economy, the ongoing effects of layoffs are hitting all of us financially and emotionally. Many employers who have never had cutbacks are facing them right now.

One area where you may find a small measure of help is your ability to stop your union dues/fees during your period of layoff.  As long as your dues and fees are current, you may opt to take a withdrawal card. Just remember, if you work work one day in a month,  you owe for the whole month.

You do have the right to continue to pay your dues/fees for up to 6 months without working in the jurisdiction of the Local. 

If you take a withdrawal and are recalled to work, you must advise us so that we can reactivate your dues billing. Some employers let us know when someone returns, others do not. It would be a terrible shock to you if you are back for many months and we bill you all those back dues at one time.

If you decide to take a withdrawal card, there are a few things you need to know up front.

• If you have plans to run for office, a withdrawal will break your 24 months on continuous good standing.
• If you have a child wishing to participate in the Local 705 Scholarship Program, They may not be eligible to participate if you are on Withdrawal.
• The Union $500.00 or $1000.00 Death Benefit from the Local Union would not apply.

These same rules also apply for long term Disability and Workers Compensation.

We hope to have all of you back in the future.

The Withdrawal application form may be found under the Union Dues Questions tab or by calling the Union Dues Department at 312-738-2800.