What are the advantages and disadvantages to resigning my union membership?
As a nonunion bargaining unit member, you are not subject to union discipline or fines, you can limit your financial obligation to the union, and you are legally entitled to the same representation services as union members. (Unions may, however, fine former members for their pre-resignation conduct. To avoid union fines and penalties, you must resign prior to engaging in any conduct that violates the union’s constitution or bylaws.) Likewise, you are entitled to all of the benefits the collective bargaining agreement affords you. You may, however, be denied member rights including the ability to attend union meetings, to ratify or reject collective bargaining agreements, to vote in union elections, and to receive union “members only” benefits. Without union representation, can’t my employer get away with all kinds of discrimination? No. In addition to PERA, Michigan teachers are covered under several other federal and state statutes, including the Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination Emp
