1. What is the structure of the union/caucus/etc? Who is a member of the USU?

The USU is a private sector union of which select employee groups of WEAC and WEA Trust belong. There are three (3) caucuses that make up the USU:

· Professional Staff Caucus (WEAC/UniServ Professional Staff and WEA Trust Field Representatives)
· WEAC/UniServ Associate Staff Caucus
· WEA Trust Associate Staff Caucus, which includes WEA Trust Property & Casualty Associate Staff

Each caucus elects a chair and meets to discuss issues specific to their caucus.

Managers do not belong to the USU. Employees who are considered confidential or work as management generally do not belong to the USU.

2. What is the function of the different offices (i.e., grievance chair, president) and who do you call for what issues?

President – oversees all functions of the Union, presides over main meetings
Vice President – assists President, a member of the Officer team and serves as grievance chair
Secretary – directs all USU elections, a member of the Officer team and records minutes at USU meetings
Treasurer – carries out the financial functions of the USU and a member of the Officer team
Caucus Chairs – oversees the functions of the respective Caucus
Stewards – representation on USU Board and frontline defense of members

3. As a new member, who should I contact to make sure I am getting all of the materials?

Contact the appropriate caucus steward as found at //http://usu-wisconsin.org/who_we_are/officers_stewards.html

4. Where do I get a copy of the contract?

Contact the appropriate caucus chair as found at
//http://usu-wisconsin.org/who_we_are/officers_stewards.html

5. How are my dues calculated and what are they used for?

Contact the treasurer as found at //http://usu-wisconsin.org/who_we_are/officers_stewards.html

6. When are the meetings? Who attends what union meetings and what meetings are open to all members? Do I have to pay for my expenses if I attend a meeting?

Check the meetings and calendar site of the USU website at http://usu-wisconsin.org/meetings_calendar/meetings_calendar.html . You can find information about meeting dates, trainings activities, etc.

Officers, Caucus Chairs and Stewards attend USU Board meetings though visitors are welcome.

Everyone should attend the Annual Meeting generally held in the spring of each year.

Members should attend their respective caucus meetings.

Expenses are usually covered except for someone just observing a meeting.

7. How do I get involved in the union?

Begin by attending your caucus meetings and the Annual meeting. Contact the president if you are interested in joining a committee which you can find at
http://usu-wisconsin.org/who_we_are/committees.html .

8. Can I do union activities during work? How do I get “union hours” or time to do union work during the work day? How do I know what I can and cannot do on work time?

We recommend that you do union work during breaks or outside of work. If you are in need of union hours, contact a steward or officer before doing the work.

9. What do I do if I have a concern in the workplace? Who do I contact? What types of problems can the union help me with? Examples would be helpful.

Contact your regional steward to discuss your concerns. Your steward is a great resource and will be able to assist you with a possible solution.

What if you are uncomfortable talking to your steward, or if he/she does not provide the assistance you need?

Should a person feel uncomfortable talking to the steward, they could turn to an officer or trusted colleague for advice. A conversation with one of those people should result in a suggestion on whom else specifically to go to for assistance. The main thing would be to not deal with this type of issue by oneself.

10. What is a grievance?

A Grievance is a violation of a working condition that is specified in the appropriate Master Agreement or a change in working conditions that have become a long standing well known practice.

11. Are there any concerns with my signing a job description or performance outcomes?

Only if it does not accurately represent what you do on the job.