The Committee. The CAPS Membership Communication Committee is responsible for overseeing CAPS’ publications for members, and for overseeing matters concerning membership, such as recruitment. In the past, this committee oversaw the creation of a host of infographics for CAPS members. These infographics can be found on the CAPS website here.
Today’s Update: The Janus Case – Know the Facts!
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Janus v. AFSCME in 2018 means unions can no longer collect fair shares fees from non-members.
Prior to that ruling, the Supreme Court’s decision in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education (1977) upheld that employees who do not pay their “fair share” should not be able to enjoy the benefits of a contract negotiated by the union representing them – including pay raises, retirement security, and worksite protections.
It was not Janus who originally filed the lawsuit. It was the Governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, who was in the middle of tense negotiations with AFSCME, seeking to obtain significant savings on the backs of state employees. When AFSCME would not give in to the Governor’s proposal, he filled a lawsuit seeking to overturn Abood. The Governor wanted to weaken the union by doing away with fair share fees, which would make it increasingly difficult to defend pensions and negotiate for better benefits. The Illinois Attorney General came to the defense of the union, stating the Governor could not file such a suit since his first amendment rights were not being violated.
In response, well-funded, anti-union advocacy groups, who continue to challenge the power of unions through attacks on fair share fees, got Mark Janus, a fair share fee payer of AFSCME to file the lawsuit.
The ultimate goal of the Janus case, much like those before it, was to weaken unions by eliminating funds from fair share fees. This loss in revenue happened immediately and was intended to impair unions’ ability to bargain for better wages and health care benefits and protect promised pensions across the nation. The anti-union groups are not done – their game plan is to continue to diminish our hard-won rights, benefits, and retirement security.
Unions like ours stand in their way. Anti-union groups are continuing with deceptive tactics to weaken union membership, but our greatest advantage is a strong, united, membership. We have strength in numbers!
What does this mean for you? Here are the facts.
Membership! Membership in CAPS is opt-in, meaning that you must fill out a member application either in-person or online. Without filling out a membership application, you are considered a non-member in the Bargaining Unit.
Non-members are not represented! Non-members of CAPS, those who are employed as State Scientists without officially joining CAPS, do not receive CAPS representation, benefits, or communications. Here’s a summary of benefits members receive that non-members do not:
| MEMBERS | NON-MEMBERS | |
| REPRESENTATION during: | ||
| Investigatory Interviews | Yes | No |
| Negative Performance Evaluations | Yes | No |
| Performance Issues | Yes | No |
| Promotional Issues | Yes | No |
| Merit Appeals | Yes | No |
| Exam Appeals | Yes | No |
| LEGAL REPRESENTATION during: | ||
| Adverse Actions | Yes | No |
| Dismissals | Yes | No |
| Suspensions | Yes | No |
| Salary Reductions | Yes | No |
| Rejections During Probation | Yes | No |
| Unlawful Appointments | Yes | No |
| BENEFITS | ||
| CAPS COMMUNICATIONS | ||
| CAPSule | Yes | No |
| Weekly News | Yes | No |
| Bargaining Updates | Yes | No |
| CAPS MEETINGS | ||
| Worksite Meetings | Yes | No |
| Board Meetings | Yes | No |
| OTHER BENEFITS | ||
| Contract Voting Rights | Yes | No |
| CAPS Election Voting Rights | Yes | No |
| Bargaining and Other Surveys | Yes | No |
| Life Insurance | Yes | No |
| Scholarships | Yes | No |
| Consumer Discounts | Yes | No |
Why is Membership Important?
We understand these are extremely difficult times. Everyone is suffering financial hardship. It might be tempting to “give yourself a raise” by not being a member of CAPS.
However, a strong union is important now more than ever. CAPS is the only organization representing State Scientists to secure better wages, terms, and conditions of employment. CAPS protects our retirement and lobbies for programs that support science and scientific positions. Over the last five years, or two rounds of negotiations, CAPS has negotiated what will result in over 25% in General Salary Increases for our Unit.
CAPS’ monthly dues of $59 are among the lowest in state service and are a long-term investment in a better workplace, career security, and protecting the benefits promised to you and your family, including a secure retirement.
State Scientists are stronger together, working as one. When we stand together, we have collective power. Through the collective power of our members, CAPS has the resources to protect our retirement, maintain quality health benefits, and make sure that equitable pay is our top priority at the bargaining table. To have a strong membership is to have power in collective bargaining, with the Legislature, and in representing members in all venues.
CAPS Membership Communication Committee
| Kelley Aubushon (Chair), Treasurer |
Daniel Ellis, Vice President |
Kris Wiese, Secretary |
Justin D. Garcia, District III Director |
| Monty Larson, District V Director |
Jimmy Spearow, Director At-Large |
CHOOSE UNITY! CHOOSE STRENGTH! CHOOSE CAPS!