Frequently Asked Questions

I'm new here. How can I find out if I’m in the union?

You’re only a union member if you’ve signed a card. However, if you are in a non-exempt (i.e., overtime-eligible) position, you are most likely in the bargaining unit and are eligible to join. Give us a call at (203) 624-5161, if you haven’t yet received information from Local 34, we’ll send a packet of information and/or come over to say hello.

Do I have to join?

No one is required to join, but non-union members still pay an "agency fee," which covers the basic cost of programs and benefits that everyone enjoys.

If the cost is the same, why should I join the Union?

Or put a better way, why shouldn’t you? A Union is only as strong as its members. We need the engagement, ideas and spirit of as many of us as possible, in order to continue to achieve good contracts. As a member, you can vote for representatives and for ratification of all contracts. As a member, you’ll be informed of current goings-on, invited to local meetings where you can get information, discuss issues, and learn about how YOU can shape your own working life here at Yale.

I’m ready to join. How can I sign up?

You can become a member of Local 34 by signing your white “Application for Membership” card and submitting it to your Union representative or to the Union office (425 College Street, 2nd and 3rd floors)

If you have not yet received your card or other information from the Union, please contact us at 624-5161 and we will be sure to get the information to you as quickly as possible.

How much are dues?

Dues are calculated on a sliding scale and equal 2.25 hours of wages per month for full-time employees (over 30 hours/week) and 1.8 hours of wages per month for employees who work more than 20 but less than 30 hours/week.

The initiation fee is equivalent to three month’s dues (e.g., if your monthly dues are $15, the initiation fee is $45). The initiation fee is deducted in three parts rather than in one lump sum. No dues or initation fees are deducted until the employee has passed the 90-day probationary period.

For more information, click here.

What’s in the contract?

Lots! Our current contract is available on paper by calling Local 34 at (203) 624-5161, or electronically by clicking here.

Who should I contact if I have a problem or a question?

You should contact your local Union representative or a Union staff member. If you do not know who your representative is, please call the office—(203) 624-5161 or e-mail 34@yaleunions.org, or see the listing of representatives-by-department. Information you give to your representative or a Union staff member is confidential.

What will the union do if I need help?

Discussing your needs in a situation is the first thing that should happen. Calling the union office or a rep does not mean you are starting a fight! An experienced activist can offer advice, behind-the-scenes coaching, or direct involvement—whichever is most appropriate to your situation.

The union has a legal duty to represent everyone in the bargaining unit fairly and equally, without hostility, discrimination, favoritism or personal bias.  This is called the Duty of Fair Representation (DFR). 

DFR Requires Stewards to:

• Enforce the contract following basic grievance handling rules (investigating, preparing, following time limits, keeping the grievant informed)

• Use the same standards to make decisions on all complaints and grievances, regardless of who has the problem

• Decide whether to file, continue, or drop grievances based on the facts, the contract, chances of winning, and the local’s record with similar problems.  The decision to file a grievance to arbitration is made by the grievance committee.

DFR does NOT Require Stewards to:

• File grievances on every complaint

• Take every grievance to arbitration

• Go to arbitration whenever a member demands it

How do I apply for Emergency Back-Up Daycare? 

Effective May 15, 2006, Caregivers On Call, an established provider of back-up child care since 1991, will provide eligible members of the Yale community with up to 40 hours of services per household per year at subsidized rates. These services are intended to assist parents in arranging care for their children when their usual caregivers are not available, e.g., because of center or school closings or caregiver illnesses. Yale will provide subsidies to the program on a sliding scale, hourly rate to parents ranging from $7-15/hour depending upon parents’ Yale affiliation and income.

For online registration and complete details regarding the program, click here. For further information, please feel free to contact Yale’s Child Care Coordinator, Susan Abramson, at 203-432-8069 or Worklife@yale.edu.

What else is Local 34 working on?

For regular updates on what’s happening in the union, see our the latest editions of our newsletter, A Seat at the Table. Email hereserver@snet.net to sign up for electronic delivery.

Can I get involved?

Absolutely—we wouldn’t be a union without you! Give us a call (203-624-5161) or talk to your co-workers or rep if you’d like to get involved.

How can I find out more about Local 34?

You can contact us at (203) 624-5161 or e-mail us at 34@yaleunions.org or drop by our offices at 425 College St. (2nd and 3rd floors of the 1st & Summerfield Methodist Church on the corner of College and Elm).  Members also can join the Local 34 e-mail list, which sends out our monthly newsletter and announces important meetings.  Please contact hereserver@snet.net to subscribe.