Do fee payers have all the rights and privileges of membership?
A. No. Fair share fee payers are not members. They do not have any voting rights or the right to participate in the governance of the local association–MEA, including the inability to vote on ratification of contracts for OEA, NEA, or SWOEA. They do not receive any membership benefits or promotional materials that are given to all members. They may not serve on committees that have been defined by our negotiated contract. Also, in the case of strike or other crisis situation, they will not be eligible to interest free loans or guaranteed health benefits, which are limited to members only. Starting in the 2008-09 membership year, Fair Share Fee Payers will receive OEA/NEA Legal Services for employment related problems, but do not get the benefits of the Attorney Referral Program for personal legal issues nor do they get Educator Employment Liability protection coverage.
