UChicago GSU Voluntary Dues
Expectations
Dues are optional for all members, until a contract has been negotiated between GSU and our employer. Those who choose to pay dues are asked to maintain payment monthly as long as they are a graduate worker. This is a non-binding commitment to support our union, and members should feel comfortable pausing dues payment if an unexpected financial hardship arises.
Amount
Members should contribute whatever amount they feel financially and personally comfortable with.
Suggested amounts:
$5 / month
$15 / month
$25 / month - Average contribution
$39.60 / month - “Real” union dues (1.44% of $33,000 minimum stipend)
Current Budget & Governance
The current budget for dues income was approved by members at our General Members Meeting on August 25th, 2022. The budget and other financial records are available for any member upon request. The Steering Committee will continue to monitor dues income and, if necessary, propose changes to the budget. Any future modifications of the budget are subject to approval by members at a General Members Meeting.
The current budget covers the following expenses:
Rent for the GSU office at Hyde Park Union Church,
Pay for our part-time staff organizer,
Money for the General Fund, which covers ad-hoc organizing expenses.
Future Priorities
More dues income would allow us to consider the following options (in no particular order):
Hiring an additional part-time staff organizer from out of our unit.
Moving our current staffer from part time to full time.
Funding mutual aid projects.
Building our Strike Fund.
Building our Hardship Fund.