This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article. In addition to the monthly UHPA dues, how much would the AFT dues be per month? The cost to affiliate with AFT would be $20.18 per member per month (or $10.09 per paycheck).   This amount would go directly to AFT.  UHPA would keep nothing and continue to operate on the 1% of your gross [...]

This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article Would there be a probationary period for AFT in which UHPA members can determine if this association is beneficial to us or not? Or is this a long term commitment? Should the UHPA Board of Directors decide to affiliate with AFT, we anticipate the affiliation will be a lasting partnership.  However, affiliation with AFT does [...]

This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article Why is the decision regarding affiliation with AFT a decision of the UHPA board, and not its members?   Section 3 of UHPA’s By-laws require that affiliation decisions be made by the Board of Directors.  This language has remained unchanged since at least 2007 and was most recently approved by the membership in April 2023.  It [...]

This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article Isn’t it true that the political arm of AFT is the most committed supporter of Democrats (>99% of candidates) of any similar union?   A recent concern that was expressed by a UHPA member was that a UHPA-AFT affiliation would NOT be a good idea because the AFT is the most committed supporter of Democrats (>99% [...]

This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article Do the AFT member benefits extend to lifetime members - i.e., UH retirees who are UHPA members?  Yes, AFT does offer member benefits through its retiree chapter.   Feedback is Always Welcomed As always, we’re open to feedback from our members, so please don’t hesitate to email those suggestions to feedback@uhpa.org.

This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article Please identify and list AFT’s work and experience at the Hawaiʻi legislature and local politics AFT does not have direct experience nor performed any work with the Hawai’i legislature or with local politics and politicians because it has never had a presence or an affiliate in the State of Hawaiʻi. However, the AFT is no [...]

Why Affiliate?   UHPA has carried out its work effectively without affiliation since voting to disaffiliate with NEA. Defend the Attacks on Intellectualism Even before the Janus decision, it was clear policy makers and big employers across the United States were coming after unions and the ability of unions to organize.  Even though the Janus decision has not resulted in the death of unions, the attacks continue.  Interwoven throughout the anti-union attack is the attack against intellectualism, which ultra-conservatives correctly view as impediments [...]

(This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article) Yes AFT offers numerous exclusive member benefits. UHPA has offered a range of member benefits, and as an affiliate of AFT, UHPA will be able to offer more extensive and comprehensive member benefits to our membership. UHPA believes that this is especially important to meet the growing needs of our diverse membership base. Benefits for [...]

While a national union can offer great insights and expertise, shouldn’t we also look at building our own capacity at the local level? (This Q&A is part of a continuing series that we introduced with the “Taking a Hard Look at Our Future Starts with Asking the Hard Questions” article) Yes, building local capacity and ensuring there is a transfer of knowledge adds another dimension to affiliation.  AFT knows the importance of training for local unions and faculty members. AFT has conducted [...]