CODSU FAQ

Below are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our union, College of DuPage Staff United (CODSU).

Q. How will CODSU benefit me?

A. With a union, we’ll negotiate our wages, benefits, and working conditions, and we will set the priorities. Now that our union is certified, we have representation rights even before a contract is finalized, and the administration cannot make changes without consulting us.

Q. What is an authorization card?

A. The union card is an online form that serves two purposes: authorization (a YES vote to form our union) and membership (once our union is formed, you’ll be a member). This card is confidential; administration will not know how you voted. Not signing a card is voting No!

Q. What is AFSCME?

A. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Members provide the vital services that make America happen. In Illinois, we are represented by AFSCME Council 31. AFSCME represents 1.3 million members nationally and 75,000 here in the State of Illinois.

Q. How does AFSCME improve Higher Ed employees' standard of living?

A. Higher Pay - AFSCME members in Higher Education have improved there standard of living by negotiating regular pay increases in their contracts.

Step Increases - AFSCME members have negotiated automatic step increases, which reward years of service and loyalty to the institution.

Protecting Our Retirement Security - AFSCME Council 31 is the driving force behind the We Are One Coalition, which successfully argued at the Illinois Supreme Court that the recent pension-slashing legislation is unconstitutional. 

Defined Job Description - AFSCME members have negotiated protections from piling on additional duties without compensation.

Temporary Assignment Pay - AFSCME members have secured compensation if they work outside their classification.

Overtime Pay - AFSCME members are now paid extra for working beyond your scheduled work day.

Q. How does AFSCME provide job security and rights at work?

A. Grievance Procedure and Binding Arbitration - AFSCME members enjoy a fair grievance procedure that includes union representation and binding, independent arbitration for contract and other personnel disputes.

Protections from Layoffs - AFSCME members negotiated important protections if layoffs ever become necessary. The employer must show that there is no other option.

Protecting Our Jobs - By enforcing the contract, AFSCME has limited the use of Student Workers and Extra Help by making sure bargaining unit work is done by bargaining unit employees.

Having a Say in Our Working Conditions - Nearly all union contracts create a Labor Management Committee. This committee is composed of an equal number of managers and union members that meet on a regular basis to identify concerns, discuss solutions, implement, and monitor progress.

Q. Who runs AFSCME and CODSU?

A. We do! AFSCME is a national union with locals that have elected officers. CODSU members elected co-workers to the contract bargaining team. Only CODSU members get to vote on the contract. When the contract is complete, we will nominate and elect officers to lead our local union.

Q. How much are union dues?

A. Dues are 1.5% of your pay rate regardless if you're a full-time or part-time staff member. No dues are paid until contract bargaining is complete. We won’t vote to approve it unless what we gain in pay and benefits is greater than the dues we pay.

Q. What will we ask for in our CODSU union contract?

A. We've surveyed the classified staff to determine priorities, elected a bargaining team, and have scheduled our first session to sit down with management as equals to negotiate. With our union, we’ll have a REAL voice in the decisions that affect our profession, along with the ability to improve our wages, benefits and working conditions, and to protect what we currently enjoy!

Q. How can I get more involved?

A. The first step is to become a union member by signing your union card. Then you can email CODStaffUnited@gmail.com to join a committee, become a Member Action Team (MAT) leader, or attend training to become a Steward. 

Other ways to be active within our union:

• • • Wear a CODSU button, sticker, or T-shirt to work

    • Talk to coworkers about union news and updates

    • Attend Board of Trustee meetings

    • Hand out fliers and leaflets

    • Talk to non-members about joining our union