Ten Most Commonly Asked Questions About UPEA
1. Question: Why should I join UPEA? I’ll get the same benefits that UPEA negotiates for their members whether I join the association or not.
Answer: That’s true, but what people don’t realize is that without additional support from all public employees, UPEA’s bargaining position with elected and appointed officials will be diminished. If that happens, there is a strong possibility that salary and benefit negotiations will be controlled by administrators, probably at the expense of the employees.
2. Question:I’m a good employee. I’ll probably never need representation. Why should I join UPEA?
Answer: While you may never be involved in a formal grievance, chances are that a UPEA representative will be asked to correct a problem that affects you. You need protection when reductions-in-force, reclassifications and budget cuts cause problems in your department.
3. Question:As members of UPEA, do we have the right to strike?
Answer: The UPEA Constitution and Bylaws encourages members to work cooperatively with executive and legislative bodies and seek solutions to problems through education, persuasion and recommendations. Strikes and work stoppages are not acceptable.
4. Question: Can I go to the UPEA attorney for help on a work related problem?
Answer: Employee representatives can usually resolve misunderstandings that occur in the workplace. However, UPEA staff may contact the attorney if legal help is warranted and refer a member to the attorney for consultation in certain cases.
5. Question: Why are the dues so expensive? I don’t know if I can afford to belong.
Answer: In a recent comparison of employee organization dues that included California, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Washington and Utah, only Idaho ranked lower than Utah in the total dues paid per memb3er per year.
6. Question: Is UPEA really that effective in the Legislature and local government jurisdictions?
Answer: Yes. UPEA has been directly or indirectly responsible for securing every benefit for state and higher education personnel since it was founded in 1959. City and County employees represented by UPEA have received significantly higher salary and benefit increases than non-affiliated jurisdictions. Prior to the organization of UPEA, there was no state retirement system, no employer paid life insurance, no health or dental benefits, no merit system and workers often had to remain in the “good graces” of the political party in power to retain their jobs.
7. Question: How far will UPEA go in representing my grievance?
Answer: UPEA reserves the right to determine if, when, and how a member will be represented. The association may deny or limit representation to certain steps of the grievance procedure. Representation must be in harmony with the best interests of the association. Members may appeal grievance actions to the executive director, grievance committee or UPEA State Board of Directors if they feel they have been treated unfairly.
8. Question: Why should I join UPEA? My supervisor says he/she will always treat me fairly.
Answer: Some employers will discourage employees from joining the association. As a public employee, you need to be aware that the law prohibits management from harassing workers because of the involvement with UPEA. It is important to be a member – even if you have a good working relationship with you boss – because employees can’t always speak for themselves on employee issues.
9. Question: If I don’t use the grievance representation and legal counsel services offered by UPEA, why should I become a member?
Answer: In addition to representation and counsel, you also receive a $1,000 accidental death or dismemberment policy and UPEA will pay your group life insurance premiums for up to six months if you are on leave without pay due to an illness or injury. You are also eligible for discounted rates on vacation packages to different locations, including Southern California. The most important reason for joining UPEA is unity. By working together we can accomplish much more than by working alone.
10. Question: How do I get a member card to take advantage of member discounts?
Answer: Call Susan Beauregard at (801) 264 - 8732 ext 200 to request a card.

 

 

Home | Contact Us | ©2006 UPEA | Designed by Glen Gunnell Design