S-T Talk December 2024

December 13, 2024

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

COPE/COMPLIANCE

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)

Bond Invoices & Certificates Reminder
Certificates and Invoices have been mailed directly to Locals from Eberts & Harrison for those covered by the TNG or CWA Labor Organization Bonds. If you have not received your Certificate of Coverage and Invoice, please contact CWA Compliance at cwamail@cwa-union.org.

DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION
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-US. 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.

We also recently developed the CWA Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook-Canada.

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

DUES
Want Your Dues Faster?

Get your employers to go electronic on their reporting! We still have many small to medium-sized units (and a few large ones) that send in paper reports that the dues clerks have to manually enter into Excel each month. As you can imagine, this can be time-consuming - and result in typos that require folks to go over everything again to find their mistake.

In order to go electronic, we need a minimum of three pieces of information:

1. Unique ID (SSN or their Payroll #)
2. Full Name (preferably in separate columns)
3. Dues Paid (for the month, or the pay period, however they report)

Optional other information we would gladly take:

• Hourly Rate (actual rate, not calculated on hrs worked)
• Address
• Job Title
• Work Location
• Email

Not sure if you have units that fall into this category? Take a look at the Input Type column on the My PU’s report. This report is in the District/Local/Sector portion of the Reports menu on the portal.

Have manual units that you are interested in changing to electronic? Reach out to duesquestions@cwa-union.org and we can work with you and your employers to get things switched over!

Holiday Staffing
Just a reminder that some Membership staff will be enjoying holiday time off in December. Processing may not be as robust as locals have come to expect. Our processing priority for this month will be as follows:

Large top-down electronic units (ATT, VZN, GE, NBC, etc)
Bottom-up units
Smaller electronic units
Manual units

December Settlement Dates:
Friday, Dec 13th
Friday, Dec 20th

FINANCE
Local End-of-Month Reports

We recommend that the Local print out the following each month:

1) Monthly Balance Sheet so that the Local Officers / Members know how much the Local has available in Cash at the end of the month.

2) Profit & Loss Statement so that the Local Officers / Members can see how much they have in profit & expenses and will be able to tell if they are running at a deficit.

3) Detailed Bank Reconciliation - So that Officers / Members are able to see what checks were written during the month, who they paid, and how much.

4) Budget vs. Actual Report - To determine if they are on track to meet their budget set at the beginning of the year or if they need to make adjustments on their spending in order to meet their budget.

APTIFY
Notice: Scheduled Maintenance for Aptify

Aptify will undergo scheduled maintenance starting Friday, December 13th, at 4:00 PM (EST). During this time, users will be unable to log in.

We expect the system to be back online by Sunday, December 15th, provided everything proceeds as planned.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience during this necessary downtime.

ICYMI:(In Case You Missed It)
2025 CWA Annual Training Schedule: Level Up Your Skills!

Our 2025 training calendar is now available with packed sessions designed to make your work smoother and your skills sharper! Whether you’re new to Aptify or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered.

Aptify & Dues Process | 3 hours
New to Aptify? This comprehensive session will teach you the ropes and guide you through the dues process with confidence.

Bottom-Up Dues Process Refresher | 1.5 hours
For those who already know Aptify—this refresher is designed for users familiar with our bottom-up dues structure. Get a solid review to keep things running smoothly!

New! Grievance Management Module | 2 hours
Discover our latest addition: the Aptify Grievance Management Module! This new tool will simplify the grievance process, from filing to resolution. With easy, web-based access, you can handle collective bargaining agreements, deadlines, and documents all in one place. Perfect for local, district, and sector users!

Microsoft Excel Tips for Aptify Data | 1.5 hours
Want to get the most out of your Aptify data? Join us for an Excel crash course! You’ll learn the best tips and tricks for navigating and optimizing your data like a pro.

Ready to sign up?
Complete and submit this form. If you have any questions, email us at AptifySupport@cwa-union.org.

The Secretary-Treasurer’s Office And Staff Wish You And Your Family

A Happy Holiday and Safe New Year.

We look forward to working with you in the New Year.

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer