HSA members reject dues increase
HSA members have rejected a proposal to increase union dues in order to offset an unfunded liability in a union long term disability plan.
The proposal for a dues increase was rejected by a margin of 84% to 16%. More than 5,000 members ... or 30 per cent of the total membership ... participated in the vote.
At the union's annual convention in April 2012, delegates instructed the board of directors to consider asking HSA members for an increase in union dues to support the Trusts that fund the plan. The Trusts are used to pay monthly benefits to members who, due to injury or disability, are unable to work at their own job or other gainful occupation. They are administered by Trustees appointed from HSAs Board of Directors.
A referendum was called by the Board of Directors, and ballots were distributed by mail to HSA members last known mail address.