Maureen Arma
When asked about our union dues and the value of union membership, I have a lot to say. From a monetary perspective, the higher dues paid by full-time faculty are often recouped in a single year through the Benefit Fund’s quality dental, vision, legal and prescription reimbursement programs. The true value of our union for all of us, though, lies in the strength of our faculty contract and the availability of a dedicated team of officers to interpret and defend those rights when you need them. As the incoming treasurer for the FA, I'd like to explain the dues deductions. Dues are set on an annual basis and are pro-rated by earnings as indicated below. If you have questions about what step you're on or when or how your dues are deducted, don't hesitate to contact me: maureena@fascc.org. You could also call the FA office at 631-451-4151. We are happy to help! Adjunct faculty members: Local dues are one-half percent (½%) of earnings. Local dues are combined with NYSUT/AFT dues and deducted in four of the seven checks. NYSUT/AFT dues are assessed for each of the fall and spring semesters as follows:
Full-time faculty members: Local dues are one-half percent (½%) of your contract salary at the applicable step. NYSUT/AFT dues for the 2016-17 year are $606.36 for all full-time members. Dues will be deducted over the 19 paychecks of our academic year during the fall and spring semesters. Total dues are reflected in the following tables for classroom faculty, librarians and counselors as well as for PAs and for specialists.
Statement required by federal regulation: Dues, contributions or gifts to the Faculty Association of Suffolk Community College are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Dues paid to the Faculty Association, however, may qualify as business expenses and may be deductible in limited circumstances subject to various restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. |