Beginning in January of 2004, the Local dues for AFGE Local 704 will increase from $11.00 per pay period to 12.25 per pay period. This is the first dues increase since the inception of AFGE Local 704 in 1996.

At the Summer 2003 National Convention, delegates voted to increase revenues to better enable AFGE to accomplish its work on behalf of Government employees. A motion passed that would assess each Local $5.00 per member an increase from $2.50. This translates into a $2.50 increase per member per pay period. By-laws require an automatic adjustment to local dues when a national increase is approved.

Local 704 will pay the increase out of the Local’s existing reserve funds until January 2004 at which time members should have resubmitted form 1187 to reflect the change. Union members must do this because the union is not allowed to request changes to an employees paycheck.

A cost increase is never popular. Keep in mind though that the union has absorbed inflation costs without a dues increased for almost 10 years. In addition, the next couple of years will be critical as far as public servants are concerned in this country. If there was ever a time that it is essential that our lobbying voice in Washington stays vocal it is now. Rest assured that this dues increase will more than likely be returned with interest through higher pay raises, input on national issues, and better benefits assured through the efforts of AFGE.