S-T Talk October 2023

CWA Dues:
Open Local Check Balances
Locals can deduct these amounts from future payments. Open amounts will be refunded via the December 15th settlement if not used before then. Current balances can be seen on the Aptify Portal under the Payment Balances by Date Range report. If you have questions, email duesquestions@cwa-union.org for assistance.

Finance:
Reimbursement Deadline
Please remember that all reimbursements need to be submitted and processed within 90 days of the event.

Aptify:
*NEW* Aptify Grievance Management Module

Our brand-new Aptify Grievance Management module is set to make its debut soon! This addition to our toolkit will bring substantial improvements to how we process and track grievances.

Let's dive into the specifics, advantages, and added value of the module:

Streamlined Process: Say goodbye to the days of navigating piles of paperwork. Our new module is all about simplifying the process of filing and managing grievances within our union.

Cloud-Based Convenience: Aptify, our cloud-based membership management software, will provide you with the freedom to access the grievance management module from anywhere, anytime.

Easy Configuration: Whether you're a local, district, sector, or division user, this module is designed to make your life easier. You'll be able to effortlessly configure various collective bargaining agreement’s grievance procedures, manage employer and membership data, upload supporting documentation, and keep track of all of the important deadlines. It's all about helping you resolve member grievances as efficiently as possible.

Data Security: We take data security seriously. The Grievance Management module comes with varying levels of user access, ensuring that only authorized individuals can interact with grievances within their scope.

Centralized Repository: In our quest for a comprehensive approach, we've integrated links to Microsoft SharePoint. It serves as a centralized hub for collective bargaining agreements, letter templates, and all relevant supporting documents related to both past and ongoing grievances.

Our 2024 Aptify Grievance Management module training schedule is now available, and you can sign up by simply clicking HERE.

COMING NEXT MONTH: 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:

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 Request 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 the Aptify Support team at AptifySupport@cwa-union.org for assistance.

New Officers Resources and Information:
cwa-union.org: This is our national website with information about our union. It includes information on how to stay up to date by signing up for email updates and text alerts. It includes webpages for workers’ rights, legislative, politics, jobs, health care, retirement security, human rights, and international solidarity. There are sections on news, upcoming events, and dedicated information for members, locals and to join CWA. Click here to visit our national website.

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.

CWA-COPE:
The COPE Contributor Reports for June & July 2023 Payroll Deduction Months are now available in the 'Reports' section of EBiz. If you need assistance, email the COPE/Compliance Department at cwacope@cwa-union.org or call 202-434-1491.

Local LM Filing Deadline (For Fiscal Year Ending September 30TH):
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.

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)

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer