Dues
How much are union dues?
According to the IBT Constitution, for most private‑sector members, union dues are calculated using a formula tied to the employee’s hourly wage rate. In many cases, this is 2.5 hours of straight‑time pay per month for hourly employees (see Article X, Section 3(i) – Revenues).
Because dues are based on wages, employees who earn more generally pay more in union dues over time.
All members receive representation from the union, regardless of the amount they pay in dues.
Based on Local 696 financial disclosures, in 2025 Local 696 collected an average of approximately $895 per member per year in base dues. This figure does not include any additional costs such as initiation fees, fines, or other assessments that may be authorized under the IBT Constitution (see Article X – Revenues, Bonding, and Audits).
What if I don’t want to join the union or pay dues?
Kansas is a right‑to‑work state, meaning employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.
However, if a union is voted in, the collective bargaining agreement still governs wages, hours, and working conditions for employees in the bargaining unit—whether or not they choose to join the union.
Employees who do not become union members may have limited participation rights in internal union matters, such as voting in union elections or contract ratification, which are typically restricted to members under union rules.
How does the union collect union dues?
Union dues are typically collected through payroll deductions, where amounts are taken directly from an employee’s paycheck. The timing and amount of these deductions are determined by the union’s dues structure and applicable agreements established under the IBT Constitution (see Article X – Revenues).
Employees should be aware that dues are deducted on a recurring basis and can represent a significant cost over time.
Can the IBT increase dues?
Yes. The IBT Constitution may be amended by delegates at the union’s International Convention, which can include changes affecting dues structures (see Article III – Convention and Representation).
In addition, local unions may establish or adjust dues levels and assessments as permitted under the Constitution and applicable rules.
Wouldn't we control how our dues are spent?
No. Individual employees do not control how their dues are spent. Decisions regarding the use of union funds are made by union officers and governing bodies in accordance with the IBT Constitution (see Article X – Revenues, Bonding, and Audits).
While union officers are elected, individual members do not direct or approve specific expenditures.
By law, unions must file annual financial disclosure reports (LM 2) with the U.S. Department of Labor, which provide a public accounting of how dues money is spent.
Can the union collect other monies besides dues?
Yes. In addition to regular dues, the IBT Constitution permits the collection of initiation fees and assessments when authorized by the appropriate governing body of the union. New members may be required to pay an initiation fee as a condition of membership.
The Constitution also provides for the imposition of fines or other disciplinary penalties on members who are found, through established internal union procedures, to have violated union rules or obligations. Any such discipline must be carried out in accordance with the charges, trial, and due process provisions set forth in Article XIX (Trials and Appeals) of the IBT Constitution.