MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: January 2008

Reduced dues categories implementation for MNA union members

			Full member (75%) reduced dues: who qualifies* Limited hours program members • A labor program member represented for purposes of collective bargaining by the MNAThose who were paid for no more than an average of 19 hours per week (988 hours annually) in the prior calendar yearSubject to verification • Must submit application annually by April 1 • Reduced dues rate is effective the following fiscal year (July 1 through June 30)     Health care professionals • Regardless of the hours worked No application required   *Can only qualify for one category at a time

The MNA membership, at its most recent convention, passed two reduced dues categories. With the passage of these categories, health care professionals who are unionized with the MNA will pay 75 percent of the annual dues (a 25 percent reduction) and MNA unionized RN’s who work minimum hours, whether in a per diem capacity or permanent capacity, will also be eligible to pay 75 percent of the annual dues (a 25 percent reduction). These categories will become effective July 1, 2008.

For MNA unionized health care professionals, the implementation of the reduced dues category will depend on the method of dues payment those members have elected—monthly, installment or annual. For questions regarding your payment options, contact the Division of Membership at 800.882.2056, x726.

In the case of MNA bargaining unit members who are health care professionals, the reduced dues addresses the fact that their professional, clinical and educational needs cannot be met exclusively by the MNA—meaning that they have to go elsewhere at times for access to information and resources specific to their clinical field.

In the case of MNA bargaining unit RNs who are working a minimum number of hours, the reduced dues would address the fact that their annual salary is generally far smaller than a full-time RNs’. Despite this monetary difference, nurses who work a minimum number of hours have historically paid dues at the same rate as all other MNA members.

For MNA unionized RNs who work minimum hours (designated as 988 hours or less in the prior calendar year, subject to verification) they may apply for the reduced dues category.

Click here to Download application
This application is an annual application and must be submitted to the MNA by April 1 of each year for the prior calendar year. MNA caluclates its dues on a fiscal year that begins July 1. To qualify for the dues reduction, RNs must have worked fewer than 988 hours in calendar year 2007 (Jan. 1 through Dec. 31). The application for this category may be sent to MNA by April 1 to the Membership Division, 340 Turnpike St. Canton MA 02021.