Dues Abuse: SEIU Members Don’t Like 50% Dues Hike

A major California local affiliate of the Service Employees International Union has given its members sticker shock over a 50 percent dues increase. And, no, it doesn’t seem the added cost comes with free maid service. Members are not happy. California’s Capitol Weekly news source says:

… critics allege that funds are being misappropriated by an unaccountable leadership. “To them, we are a huge ATM machine,” says Hamidi. “Because of that, they spend, spend, spend. There’s a lack of efficiency.”

Hamidi points out that a large portion of dues are redirected to SEIU national headquarters. According to a fact sheet on Local 1000’s website, its affiliation with the national organization comprised about 20 percent of the union’s 2006 budget.

Many say they are unwilling to pay for such a large increase when Californians will not be reaping the benefits. Alex Hernandez, who is a member of California State Employees United (or CSEUnited), another “loyal opposition” group, says a top-heavy management structure is problematic. “Obviously, there is a spending problem.”

Local 1000 has experienced financial strife in recent years, especially following their battle against a 2005 initiative that would have required unions obtain written consent from members before using dues money for political purposes. Though the measure ultimately lost, the campaign helped put the union $6.7 million in the red.