2,824 Public Employees Helped Opt Out

18,000 Members

$323,875 Saved in Annual Union Dues

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Your opt-out information has been submitted successfully. Please allow up to 24 hours to receive your opt-out letter and instructions.

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Why Opt Out?

Union membership is a choice, not a requirement. 

Whether to join or remain in a union is a deeply personal decision that should reflect your values, priorities, and professional goals. Watch the video below, and keep reading for key facts to help you decide what’s right for you.

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Keep your benefits

You’re Covered—With or Without Membership. 

Because the union is your exclusive bargaining representative, the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) applies to you whether you are a member or not.
 
Your salary, benefits, and workplace protections are all set by the CBA and must be provided to every covered employee. By law, unions cannot deny nonmembers the benefits negotiated on their behalf.
 

Bottom line:

Opting out does not mean opting out of your pay, benefits, or workplace protections.

Job security

You No Longer Have to Pay a Union to Keep Your Job.

Before 2018, many public-sector employees were forced to pay union fees just to remain employed, even if they disagreed with the union. That changed with a U.S. Supreme Court decision.
 
Today, public-sector employees—including teachers, first responders, and state and local government workers—have the right to decline union membership and stop paying dues.
 

Bottom line:

Your job cannot be conditioned on paying a union.
Dues aren't local

Most of Your Dues Don’t Stay Local.

Public-sector unions are often large, multi-layered organizations with significant overhead. A substantial portion of dues goes toward administrative costs, high executive salaries, and state or national affiliates.
 
Those affiliates frequently spend members’ money on lobbying, political advocacy, and electoral campaigns, leaving only a fraction of dues for local representation and bargaining.
 

BOTTOM LINE:

The money you pay may fund activities far removed from your workplace.
Your values matter

Union Politics Don’t Necessarily Represent  You. 

Union leadership often takes political positions and funds causes without individual members’ consent. If you disagree with those positions—or simply believe your paycheck shouldn’t be used for politics—opting out allows you to keep control over how your money is spent.
 
Choosing not to be a member means:
  • Your earnings aren’t automatically used to support political or ideological agendas
  • You aren’t publicly associated with positions you may not share
  • You retain your voice as an individual, not just as part of a bloc 

Bottom line:

Your views matter, and they deserve to be respected.
you're not stuck

You Have Options Outside the Union.

Some unions offer member perks like retail discounts or professional liability coverage—but similar (and often better) options are available elsewhere, frequently at lower cost.

Americans for Fair Treatment offers a free retail discount program, and union alternatives provide professional liability insurance and other benefits to qualifying employees.
 
To learn more, contact us at info@americansforfairtreatment.org or 833-969-FAIR (3247).

The Choice Is Yours.

Opting out isn’t anti-worker, it’s pro-freedom. You deserve accurate information, financial transparency, and the freedom to decide what aligns with your values.

We’re here to help you make an informed decision.
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