S-T Talk August 2024

August 9, 2024
S-T Talk

Prior issues of S-T Talk are available on our website. Just visit cwa.org/s-t-talk

QUARTERLY LOCAL S-T TOWNHALL ZOOMS:
All CWA Local Secretary-Treasurer’s identified in Aptify should have received an invitation to the August 27, 2024 Zoom meeting at 3:00 pm ET. On our next Quarterly S-T Townhall, we will explore the remainder of the initial topics suggested including document retention policy, Digital membership cards, Labor Organization Bond/Certificate of Coverage, and COPE vs PAC. If you need guidance on these topics NOW click here for information in the U.O.P.M.

DUES
Getting The Most Out of Aptify Reports and Data
Are you looking for more in-depth information about using Aptify reports? Need a little help navigating that data in Excel? We’ve got you covered! Sign up for our training on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET.
Section 1 - The Aptify Toolbox (what’s available, how to find it and use it)
Section 2 - Basic Excel Tips and Tricks (how to make your data more usable and understandable)
Section 3 - Open Questions (specific local unit/data issues and questions)

We are blocking 3 hours for this training to make sure we can accommodate YOUR questions. You can sign up here. We hope you’ll join us!

For questions email STOffice@cwa-union.org.

APTIFY
Our remaining Aptify training schedule for 2024 is listed below. All trainings will be at 12 pm ET over Zoom. 
Please click here to register for an Aptify training session

• Aptify/Dues Process Training
  September 27         November 8
• Bottom-Up Dues Process “Refresher” Training
  October 18
• Microsoft Excel Training for Aptify
  November 15
• *New* Aptify Grievance Management Module
  For Locals:             For District/Sector Staff:
  October 11           October 25

COPE/COMPLIANCE
990 Copies
If you have not already done so, please email a copy of your local’s 2023 IRS 990 report to cwamail@cwa-union.org.

Local LM Filing Deadline (For Fiscal Year Ending September 30th):
Locals with a Fiscal Year Ending date of September 30, 2024, have an LM filing with the Department of Labor due electronically by December 29, 2024.

The LMRDA does not authorize or grant any extension of time for filing these reports for any reason.

Electronic Forms System (EFS) is a web-based system for completing, signing, and submitting Labor Organization Annual Financial Reports. EFS allows a labor organization with a web-enabled computer the ability to acquire, complete, sign, and electronically file reports without purchasing a digital signature or downloading special software.

   Reporting Requirements
       · If total annual receipts are less than $10,000, Locals may use the online Form LM-4; 
       · If total annual receipts are less than $250,000, Locals may use the online Form LM-3;
       · If total annual receipts are more than $250,000, Locals must use the online Form LM-2.

Go to the following links for more info on the LM-2, LM-3, and LM-4:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/olms/reports/forms/lm-1-lm-2-lm-3-lm-4

   Exclusion From Filing LM Reports
   Only those Locals comprised entirely of public employees (state, county or municipal     
   employees) are excluded from filing an LM financial report.

   CWA Councils ― Labor-Management (LM) Reporting
   CWA Councils (city, state, or regional Councils) are also subject to the reporting 
   requirements of the LMRDA. The Councils should use the same monetary guidelines as 
   previously outlined in determining which LM financial report form to use. 
   (Part V. Federal Reporting of the UOPM)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NEW Training on Communications for Bargaining and Organizing
The CWA Communications Department offers regularly scheduled free training for CWA local officers, members, and staff. Last month, we added new classes on Communications for Bargaining and Communications for Organizing. Other training includes an overview of the digital tools that we offer, basics on how to use Action Network to send emails and text messages and setup online actions, social media tips and best practices, and graphic design training. You can click here for more information and to RSVP for training or access recordings of prior training sessions.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
S-T Office webpage of Essential Resources for Local Officers all in one place.

It includes links to: Aptify Information and Training, COPE & Local Political Spending, Compliance, CWA Constitution, Convention Proceedings and Biennial Reports, CWA Apparel, Digital Membership Cards Readiness and FAQ, Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook, Dues Coordinators, Forms, Member Benefits and Training, Mutual Respect Policy & Reporting, Retired Members Information, S-T Talk, Union Operating Procedures Manual, Eduardo Diaz Union-to-Union International Solidarity Fund, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation - Charity of Choice, Materials Order for Education, Organizing and Human Rights and How to Contact Us. Use the QR Code above or visit https://cwa.org/lor

CWA Disaster Relief Fund
Members are eligible for an assistance grant if their home is damaged due to a FEMA-declared natural disaster. The National CWA program allows up to 6 months to submit the application for assistance. You can utilize this simple FEMA Declaration tool to see if your local resides in one of the areas affected and can share the benefit with your members. www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations

Please refer to the CWA Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook. We want to make sure every eligible member has updated information to access financial assistance in the event of a FEMA-declared natural disaster. Members and their locals have six (6) months from the date of the disaster declaration to file the Disaster Relief Fund application with the District staff assigned to the Disaster Relief Fund.

Some CWA Districts and Sectors also provide hardship grants. Please promote the National program alongside these programs as members are not limited to just one source of support.

UNION PLUS Disaster Relief Grant Reminder: Members who live in areas impacted by declared natural disasters in the last 24 months, and who participate in the Union Plus Credit Card, Mortgage, Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Auto Insurance, Personal Loan, and Retiree Healthcare programs may be eligible to access Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants. Eligible members must have their primary residence in a county or parish designated by FEMA as eligible for Individual Assistance. No proof of property damage is required. Learn more at unionplus.org/disaster.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Kevin Celata at kcelata@cwa-union.org

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer