S-T Talk December 2023

CWA DUES:

Local Bank Information Updates

If you have changed your bank information, don’t forget to let us know! You can find the form you need HERE. It must be signed by two local officers and returned to duesquestions@cwa-union.org, using encryption if possible. If you don’t have that option with your provider, just email us and request a secure reply. Any replies to the secure reply will be safe and secure. We generally process these forms within 5 business days, but you may receive a check payment from us in the interim.

Do you have members who are retiring and want to continue being dues-paying members of CWA?

We know membership has its privileges so please reach out to duesquestions@cwa-union.org to learn who to help these retirees remain dues-paying members of CWA.

Elimination of Social Security Numbers on Company Reports

As most of you know, more and more employers are moving away from providing Social Security Numbers. Starting in January, both AT&T and Avaya will no longer have them in their dues files, and more employers are sure to follow their lead in the coming months.  

Although completely understandable from a security perspective, this change will definitely bring some challenges to member management.  

• Locals will now need the members’ Clock ID’s (payroll #’s) to add them to Aptify. If you have the SSN, you can enter it at that time, but the Clock ID will be the required field. (Please, don’t make up a number or guess!)

• Duplicate records may be more likely. We may not be able to tell that “John Smith Jr” in PU 123456 is the same person that is showing up in the file for PU 987654. They will have different Clock ID’s (and no SSN), so without other identifying information like Date of Birth or address, etc., we are going to assume they are different people.

• Employers may re-use old Clock ID’s. We currently have a few employers that do this. If you go to enter a new person and it says the Clock ID is already in use in that PU, email duesquestions@cwa-union.org with the current person’s name and the CWA ID shown in the error message next to the Clock ID field. We will research it and get back to you.

We will work with you, and our employers, to make these transitions as smooth as we can.

 

CWA COPE/COMPLIANCE:

Do not risk an audit . . . The deadline is December 29th to File Local LMs for Fiscal Year Ending September 30th:

You can’t afford to procrastinate any longer: Locals with a Fiscal Year Ending date of September 30, 2023, have an LM filing with the Department of Labor due electronically by December 29, 2023. If your Local’s bylaws have been amended, don’t forget to upload a copy to the Department of Labor, and please verify your Local’s bond coverage amount to ensure reporting accuracy.

COPE/PAF Accountability Program

To improve the COPE/PAF Program, we have utilized Aptify to upgrade the system to include many exciting automated processes. Beginning in January, Locals (except where otherwise arranged) will begin inputting COPE/PAF Cards into Aptify in order to track COPE/PAF cards until they are processed, ensuring your fundraising efforts are not being discarded by employers. The COPE/Compliance team is offering to all Aptify users to take part in the trainings over the coming months, beginning January 12th.

District staff should plan to participate so that, across the board, everyone understands the benefits and capabilities of this upgraded system.

Training Agenda:

● Accountability Overview

● Handling/Retention of COPE/PAF Cards

● Entering COPE/PAF Cards into Aptify

● Reporting

● Handling Unprocessed COPE/PAF Cards

Sign up for one of our three training classes by clicking here.

1. January 12, 2024 from 9:30 am -11:00 am EST

2. January 18, 2024 from 11:30 am -1:00 pm EST

3. January 26, 2024 from 12:00 pm -1:30 pm EST

Instructions on how to use the COPE/PAF Accountability System will be sent to participants via email the day before the training. To sign up, please click here.

 

APTIFY:

CWA Digital Membership Cards Must be Distributed by 1/1/2024 - Do you need help?

We are excited about the digital upgrade that will streamline the CWA membership card experience, enhancing accessibility and convenience for all our valued members. Check out the 'In Case You Missed It' (ICYMI) section below to discover the details about our new CWA digital membership card links process.

Should you have any lingering questions or require support with bulk membership data updates in Aptify, our dedicated team is here to assist, email AptifySupport@cwa-union.org, and we'll guide you through the process.

Note: The Aptify digital membership card links specifically pertain to CWA membership cards only. Any modifications or updates related to sector or division-specific membership cards, as well as changes to the distribution process, will be communicated through official announcements from the respective sector or division office. Divisions and Sectors are advised to continue their current practices unless otherwise specified.

Update Local and Officers Roster in Aptify

With many local elections completed, it is time to ensure that our Local Officer Rosters in Aptify are accurate and up to date. Your participation and commitment to maintaining accurate records are crucial for a smooth and successful leadership transition process. Reviewing and updating your local's address, contact, and website information in Aptify will help us ensure that the local directory on our CWA website is up-to-date.

The Updating Local and Officer Roster in Aptify guide is a user-friendly resource that will walk you through the process, making it a breeze to maintain and update local officer records (attached).

You can also navigate to the Aptify Learning Lab, accessible through your computer, tablet, or mobile device by logging into your Aptify account – click HERE.

The Verifying Local Information Currently in Aptify Guide can be used to help update your Local Union’s information (attached).

If you need assistance, email our Aptify Support team at AptifySupport@cwa-union.org

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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

 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):

Launching November 27, 2023 - CWA Digital Membership Cards!

Introducing CWA Digital Membership Cards – it's your CWA membership, but now in your pocket, on your phone, and accessible anytime, anywhere. Here's how it works:

• CWA Digital Membership Card Links

We will generate a unique digital membership card link for all members with ACTIVE statuses. By clicking on this link, members will be able to download and save their digital membership card to their digital wallets on their phones. Click here to view the Android version and click here to view the iPhone version

• Aptify Integration

To make this process seamless, we added a new field in Aptify which will hold the unique digital membership card link for each member. A report will be available in Aptify with the links to all membership cards in your local.

• Action Network for Distribution

Locals that use Action Network will be able to download a report from Aptify, and then upload that information, including the unique membership card link for each member, into Action Network. We will make a template available in Action Network that will allow you to send the personalized membership card link to each member who has an email address on your Aptify list. We will provide detailed instructions and a video training session.

• Option for HQ to Distribute Digital Card Links Directly

Locals who would prefer for HQ to email the links to individual members directly can opt-in by filling out this form.

• Monthly Membership Updates

To guarantee that our digital membership cards stay current, we’re implementing a monthly update for ACTIVE member statuses. As long as the member status in Aptify remains ACTIVE, the digital membership card will stay active too. However, if a member’s status changes during any month, and the person is no longer eligible for CWA membership, their digital membership card link will be deactivated.

• Membership Cards Readiness Guide

Please take a moment to review the guide, which will walk you through the steps to review and verify your members’ names, mailing addresses, email addresses, contact information, and member statuses to ensure accuracy (attached).

We are excited about this digital upgrade and believe it will streamline the membership card process, making it more accessible and convenient for our members.

If you would like assistance making bulk membership data updates in Aptify, email AptifySupport@cwa-union.org and our team can help you through the process.

The Secretary-Treasurer’s Office
wishes you a safe and memorable holiday season and
we are looking forward to working with you all in the New Year.

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer