CUPE and YOUR money

Did you ever wonder where all the dues you contribute goes to. Well the first 55 % goes to national to pay for reps., campaigns, buildings, and strike kitty. The 45 % remaining is for local use ; but out of that about 10 % goes toward divisional affiliations, fed. affiliations, local affiliations, etc. this leaves the local with 35 % providing there are no assessments imposed by national that could equate to another 10% of the dues contributed because this is based on a percentage of total payroll. Do I have you confused yet---when it is explained it is like a financial advisor trying to sell you on investing into a deal he wants; but in the end after you have agreed and you get the results of the investment, you do not want but it is too late. The bottom line is if you have 200 members spread out over a region, city , or maybe even a province and they contribute $ 40. per month; the volunteers in your local may only have $2800. per month out of $8000. to service all 200 members. This equates to $14. per member per month and please do not forget it costs between $3500. to $10,000. per adjudication if the union has to only pay one half of the cost of the adjudication. This does not cover lost wages, meals, mileage, or motel expenses or legal fees if you have to hire outside the office. The question is; are you getting the best bang for your buck with this type of divisional setup. Watchdog annie.