S-T Talk June 2026

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

2026 CWA SPECIAL CONVENTION
Please check your inbox for the Official Call regarding the 2026 CWA Special Convention, which will be held virtually on July 1, 2026 at 1pm ET. Additional details will be posted on the CWA Events page as they become available.

QUARTERLY LOCAL S-T TOWNHALL ZOOMS:
Please join us on August 25, 2026, from 3pm - 4pm ET for the S-T Townhall Zoom meeting. Please click here to register to attend the Zoom meeting. Mark your calendars for November 24th, from 3pm - 4pm ET, to ensure that you do not miss any of the S-T Townhalls in 2026.

We are always looking for topics to cover that are of interest to you, so please email stoffice@cwa-union.org and let me know what is of interest to you.

FINANCE:
Does your Local have financial policies?
Financial policies are detailed plans that outline the rules and operations of the Local’s finances. They can cover a variety of areas, including:

1. Financial controls: Policies and procedures to prevent or detect fraud and accounting errors, such as account reconciliation and double-counting cash deposits.
2. Roles and responsibilities: Clarifying who is responsible for making financial decisions and management activities.

Each Local should have written Financial Control Policies that cover the following areas:
 

1. Cash Disbursement Policy
2. Cash Receipts Policy
3. Travel Reimbursement / Credit Card Policy
4. Salary and Allowance Authorization
5. Lost Time Policy

For a more detailed explanation of each of the above-referenced items click here.

Reimbursement Deadline
Locals please remember that all reimbursements need to be submitted to CWA and processed within 90 days of the event.

DUES:
Update on Petition Referendum on Per Capita Dues:
On Friday, May 29, 2026, Secretary-Treasurer Salaam received an email from Delegate and Local 3603 President Eddie Maresca regarding the referendum, including the petition and signatures. She then sent a notice to the Executive Board confirming receipt of the referendum concerning the resolution on per capita payments. In her message, she advised the Executive Board that she and her staff would work through the weekend to review the submitted list, and membership counts and to determine whether the required thresholds—20 percent of locals and 20 percent of membership—had been met. She also noted that the matter needed to be added to the agenda for the in-person presidents’ meeting scheduled for June 1, 2026.

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Secretary-Treasurer Salaam confirmed that the twenty percent (20%) threshold required for the referendum had been satisfied and notified the Executive Board by email.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, during its Executive Board meeting, Secretary-Treasurer Salaam reported that the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office had received written notification from the requisite threshold of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Locals representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the Union’s membership, expressing their desire for a referendum on the subject of union dues collection, pursuant to Article XXII, Section 5 of the CWA Constitution. Upon receiving this report, the Executive Board discussed its constitutional obligations to the Union and its membership in full and unanimously voted, pursuant to Article VIII, Sections 2(a)–(c) of the CWA Constitution, to call a Special Convention to be held virtually via Zoom or a similar electronic conference platform later this summer. The purpose of the Special Convention will be to address the specific issue set forth in the referendum received by the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office began researching options and requesting bids to host the Special Convention virtually. Once final quotes and dates are received from the vendor hosting the virtual event, and in accordance with Article VIII, Section 3(b) of the CWA Constitution, the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office will distribute all relevant information in the Special Convention Official Call.  

As of today, Monday, June 15, 2026, please check your inbox for the Official Call regarding the 2026 CWA Special Convention, which will be held virtually on July 1, 2026 at 1pm ET.

APTIFY SERIES: DID YOU KNOW?
The Digital Membership Card Opt-In by Local report is LIVE in Aptify now!

Did you know you can see whether you've opted in to have CWA digital membership cards automatically sent to your members?

This report will show if your local has opted in to having HQ distribute digital membership card links to your members. If your local opts in, digital membership card links will be sent to all current active members in your local. Every month, new electronic card links will be created and distributed to new members that join. Please note that members will only receive a digital membership card link if there is a valid personal email address in their Aptify membership record.

To see whether your local has opted in, click on the Digital Membership Card Opt-In by Local report, in the Membership Cards Reports section of Aptify. To change your opt-in status, email aptifysupport@cwa-union.org.

All reports exist in the Reports module of Aptify.

To opt into having HQ distribute digital membership card links to your members, please click HERE.

If you have any questions, please email AptifySupport@cwa-union.org.

MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS:
Keep Local, Officer, and PAF Contributor Contact Information Up-to-Date
Aptify is CWA’s primary source of contact information for locals, officers and Political Action Fund (PAF) contributors. We often send out important updates to these groups via email or text message. In addition, we use information from Aptify for our online local directory. Your help keeping this information current helps ensure our communications are timely, accurate and effective.

• Instructions on updating local officer information in Aptify are available here.
• When you receive PAF cards, please make sure to update the email address, phone numbers, and text opt-in status for the contributor.
• Check out your local’s information here https://cwa-union.org/members/find-your-local. If your information is incorrect, update it in Aptify and it will periodically sync with the online directory. For detailed instructions on how to update your local’s contact information, please review the Update Local Contact Information Guide.

Contact us by submitting a support request to the Communications Department.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):
Introducing the Local Secretary-Treasurer Spotlight Series
We are pleased to announce that, beginning soon, our newsletter will feature a recurring monthly spotlight on a Local Secretary-Treasurer (S-T). Each issue will highlight one Local Secretary-Treasurer and recognize their important contributions.

The purpose of this feature is to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role Local Secretary-Treasurer's play in the life of our union. As you know, Local S-T's are responsible for ensuring financial integrity, maintaining accurate records, remaining in compliance, and keeping members informed. Although much of their work takes place behind the scenes, it is essential to the strength and stability of the Local.

Please stay tuned and check your inbox for details about the initial rollout and submission requirements.

2026 CWA Annual Training Schedule: Level Up Your Skills!
Our 2026 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.
        July 10, 2026 - 12pm ET
        September 18, 2026 - 12pm ET
        November 6, 2026 - 12pm ET

   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!
        July 17, 2026 - 12pm ET
        October 23, 2026 - 2pm ET

   Grievance Management Module | 2 hours
   Discover the Aptify Grievance Management Module! This 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! LOCALS (Stewards/Local Rep/Local Officers) 
   - Grievance Management module training sessions.
        August 7, 2026 - 12pm ET
        October 16, 2026 - 12pm ET

   DISTRICT/SECTORS Staff Reps - Grievance Management module training sessions.
        June 26, 2026 - 12pm ET
        August 21, 2026 - 12pm ET
        October 20, 2026 - 12pm ET

   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.
        August 28, 2026 - 12pm ET
        November 20, 2026 - 12pm ET

To sign up for one of our training sessions, please complete and submit this form. If you have any questions, email us at AptifySupport@cwa-union.org.

Free downloadable CWA Materials items available in the CWA Learning Lab! You now have the opportunity to browse and download select CWA Materials resources for free! This option helps you save on printing and shipping costs while giving you instant access to materials you can easily share with your members.

To get started, log into Aptify and click CWA Learning Lab in the top navigation menu. Then, click on the CWA Materials Downloadable Items module to view the full list of available resources. You can read more details HERE and reach out to AptifySupport@cwa-union.org with any questions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Local Officers Resources and Information:
CWA Union Operating Procedures Manual (UOPM)- This comprehensive manual is a great guide to help Local officers in navigating our Union’s policies and procedures. It includes topics like the organizational structure, Constitution, Local Officer duties and responsibilities, organizing, Local Finances, Federal reporting, Local meetings, membership database, dues processing, Local bylaws, records retention, strike manual and so much more.Click here to view the UOPM.

For Locals- Another great online resource with reference materials, contract database, convention proceedings and biennial reports, online communications tools for Locals, forms, materials, databases, stewards training portal and Local directory. Click here to access information for CWA Locals.

NEW: The Union College Benefit Powered by Edvance
CWA/NETT has partnered with Edvance to offer the Union College Benefit powered by Edvance - an education benefit that gives CWA members and their families access to affordable, fully online college programs from accredited schools.

Members and families can now visit edvancecollegebenefit.com/cwa to explore over 200 degree and certificate programs across 7 accredited schools, get matched with a recommended program, and connect with Edvance’s dedicated Student Success team — all at no cost to explore.

What your members get

• Up to 40% off tuition on 100% online degrees and certificates
• Personalized guidance from program exploration through enrollment
• Eligibility extends to spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and dependents
• A fully managed service - Edvance handles all member support and questions

How to share the benefit with your members
Getting the word out is simple. Here are a few ways to let your members know about the benefit:

• Share the link directly. Drop the link (edvancecollegbenefit.com/cwa) on your website, Facebook page, newsletter, or anywhere your members look for resources. The site walks members and family through everything- programs, eligibility and how to get started, and even helpful resources for college planning in general.
• Mention it at your next meeting. A quick announcement at your member meetings, steward training or member event goes a long way.
• Share the flyer with members. Post the Union College Benefit flyer at worksite bulletins, meetings or share it digitally through email/text.

Want customized materials for your local? Edvance can provide co-branded flyers, banner graphics, or tailored content for your members. Visit edvancecollegebenefit.com/for-union-leaders/ to learn more and get started.

Ready-to-use blurb for your local communications
Feel free to copy and paste the following into your own emails, newsletters, or announcements:

CWA members and families now have access to the Union College Benefit powered by Edvance - a new education benefit offering up to 40% off tuition on 200+ fully online degree and certificate programs from accredited schools.

The benefit is available to you and your family - including spouses, children, grandchildren, and dependents. Programs are 100% online and designed for working adults, and you'll get personalized guidance from a dedicated team to help you every step of the way.

There's no cost to explore your options. Visit edvancecollegebenefit.com/cwa to browse programs and get started.
Questions? Contact the Student Success team at help@edvancecollegebenefit.com or call/text 1-312-319-5023 with any questions.

In Unity,