"OPT OUT" Claims vs. Reality

Anti-union organizations often rely on messaging that sounds appealing on the surface but leaves out important information. Here are a few common claims and the reality behind them.

Claim: “You’ll save money if you opt out.”

Reality:
Union membership is what gives workers the power to negotiate better wages, benefits, and protections.

Union members earn about 19.4% more than non-union workers on average and are more likely to have health insurance and retirement benefits.

For most workers, the value of higher wages, better benefits, and job protections negotiated by the union far outweighs the cost of dues.

Claim: “The union can’t help you anyway.”

Reality:
Union members have access to representation and protections that non-union workers do not.

Union contracts ensure:

Due process and fair discipline procedures
Representation in workplace meetings that could lead to discipline
Grievance procedures to enforce contract rights
Negotiated wages, benefits, and working conditions

Without a union, most workers are considered “at-will” employees, meaning they can often be disciplined or fired with little recourse.

Claim: “The union only helps itself.”

Reality:
Unions are democratic organizations run by workers. Members vote for their leaders, vote on contracts, and help decide the priorities of the union.

Union members also work together to improve workplace conditions for everyone, including future workers.

Claim: “You can still get the benefits without being a member.”

Reality:
Opt-out campaigns depend on workers leaving the union while still benefiting from contracts negotiated by union members.

If enough workers leave, the union becomes weaker and employers gain leverage in negotiations.

Strong contracts depend on strong membership.

What Your Union Dues Actually Support

Union dues help make it possible for workers to stand together and enforce the rights we negotiate.

Dues support things like:

Contract Negotiations

Preparing bargaining proposals, research, and negotiations that secure wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Workplace Representation

Union staff and trained stewards who help enforce the contract and support members in disputes with management.

Legal Support and Contract Enforcement

Ensuring employers follow labor laws and the negotiated contract.

Organizing and Member Engagement

Helping workers build stronger unions and recruit new members so that collective power grows.

Protecting Worker Rights

Advocating for laws and policies that protect workers and strengthen collective bargaining.

Many important worker protections we rely on today were won through union organizing and advocacy.

16 REASONS TO WORK UNION

Our Strength Comes From Each Other

Anti-union groups spend millions of dollars each year trying to weaken unions by encouraging workers to drop their membership.

But unions are strongest when workers stand together.

When we stay united, we protect the wages, benefits, and workplace protections that union members have fought to build over generations.

What To Do If You Receive an “Opt Out” Mailer

Some union members occasionally receive postcards, emails, or online ads encouraging them to opt out of union membership. These messages are often part of organized anti-union campaigns.

If you receive one of these messages, here are a few simple steps to keep in mind.

1. Take a moment before responding

These messages are designed to prompt quick action. You do not need to respond right away.

Take time to review the information carefully and make sure you understand what the message is asking you to do.

2. Get the full picture

Opt-out campaigns often focus on union dues without explaining the benefits that union membership provides.

Union members negotiate stronger contracts, better wages, workplace protections, and benefits that improve jobs for everyone.

Union members also earn higher wages and are more likely to have access to health care and retirement benefits.

UNION DIFFERENCE FLYER

3. Talk with your union

If you have questions about union membership, your local union leaders and AFSCME representatives are here to help.

They can answer questions about:

Your contract
Union membership and dues
Workplace rights and protections
Ways to get involved in your union

Getting accurate information directly from your union can help you make an informed decision.

4. Remember that your union is you

Your union is made up of the workers in your workplace. Every member plays a role in building the collective strength that helps improve wages, benefits, and working conditions.

When members stay engaged and stand together, workers have a stronger voice and greater influence.

Stay Union Strong

Anti-union organizations may send mailers and advertisements encouraging workers to leave their union.

But the strength of a union comes from workers standing together.

Union membership helps protect the rights, benefits, and workplace standards that workers have fought to build over generations.

When we stay united, we protect the progress we have made and continue building a better future for working people.

Link - REAL STORIES: WHY MEMBERS STAY UNION