Working together, our union can help improve the quality of life here at GAO by building a partnership with management in order to resolve issues, as well as recommending constructive changes.  In order for this collaboration to be successful, we need as many perspectives as we can get to ensure we are moving in the right direction.  More importantly, a union's bargaining position is only as strong as its membership, and the more members and perspectives we represent, the stronger our voice and ability to affect improvements at GAO.  Conversely, with low membership levels, the union will not be in a favorable bargaining position - and non-members will still be subject to what we negotiate!  Further, with more dues-paying members, the union will have more money to obtain important services such as facilitation, mediation and arbitration services, and legal counsel.

What are the benefits of becoming a union member?

Membership gives you a voice in your union.  As a member, you will be able to vote on whether to accept collective bargaining agreements with management (e.g., pay raises, master contract) and changes in our union's structure.  As well, you will be able to run, nominate, or vote for union officers and representatives, and serve on committees which deal with a variety of issues.  In addition, as a union member you will be entitled to IFPTE and AFL-CIO union benefits such as scholarships, loans, and retirement planning, to name a few.  

Where can I get more information?

To help answer your questions, we have developed a question and answer space on our website.  Below is a list of questions with hyperlinks that will take you to the answers on our union's website.   In addition to this interactive document, we will be holding several brown-bag sessions to answer any other questions and provide more details on the importance of being involved in your union as a member. 

The dates and times for these brown-bags are below.  Field staff can participate by calling the following number: 1-866-285-7778 (passcode 9164844)

September 25, 2008 at 12:00 to 1:00PM - HQ Room 4950B

October 9, 2008 at 12:00 to 1:00PM - HQ Room 5T63

October 21, 2008 at 12:00 to 1:00PM - HQ Room 4950B

October 25, 2008 at 12:00 to 1:00PM - HQ Room 2T59

If you have questions in the meantime, please contact your Interim Council Representative www.gaoanalysts.org/HTML_Pages/Contact.htm or Chris Langford, Chair of our Membership Committee.