S-T Talk - February 15, 2025

February 15, 2025

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 February 27, 2025, Zoom meeting.

To start out 2025, the S-T office has been asked to look into accounting software as an alternative to Quickbooks. My staff and I have been in conversations with RCS Union Software and other Labor Unions that currently utilize their platform. I have invited them to give a presentation during this month’s town hall. I have also negotiated additional discounts for CWA Locals who want an alternative to other accounting software. RCS offers assistance with the completion of LMs and 990s included in their package prices.

Mark your calendars for May 28th, August 26th, and November 25th from 3 pm - 4 pm ET. If you have not received your invitation for the February 27, 2025, Townhall, check your spam filter, and if it is not there please email kcline@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.

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
2025 Charitable Invoices are coming to your inbox or mailbox soon!
Your annual quotas for both the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF) and the Eduardo Diaz Union-To-Union International Solidarity Fund will be uploaded into Aptify at the beginning of March and can be found on the Open Invoices report with a description of “Charity”. (Any locals who already contribute via dues deduction will not be invoiced.)

You can pay these quotas like you would any other invoices. Please note these are optional, so they do NOT affect local delinquency and they will NOT be picked up by the AutoPay process.

Thank you for your ongoing support of these crucial charities. If you would like to opt out of this program for the year or to pay more than the amount shown on the invoices, please email duesquestion@cwa-union.org so that we can update Aptify.

COPE/COMPLIANCE
990 Reminder
All Locals, including Public Employee Locals, that have $25,000 or more in gross receipts must file an exempt organization information return Form 990 - Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax. This return is due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of the fiscal year. The fiscal year for most CWA Locals ends on September 30th, therefore, the 990 would be due on February 15, 2025. The due date may be extended for three months, without showing cause, by filing Form 8868 before the due date. An additional three-month extension may be requested on Form 8868 if the organization shows reasonable cause why the return cannot be filed by the extended due date.

If you have questions about this requirement, contact your nearest IRS office.

DOL Late Filer Notice
If your Local’s Fiscal Year ended on September 30th and you haven’t yet filed your Annual LM report, please do so as soon as possible. While the Department of Labor does not impose fines, filing reports late could lead to your local being audited. Reports were due December 29, 2024.

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.

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer