S-T Talk October 2026

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

QUARTERLY LOCAL S-T TOWNHALL ZOOMS:
Please join us on November 24, 2026, from 3pm - 4pm ET for the S-T Townhall Zoom meeting. Please click here to register to attend the Zoom meeting. 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.

MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS:
Images on Your Website Could Put Your Local at Risk
Photographers and media companies have gotten increasingly sophisticated about identifying their images that are being used improperly. CWA has received several notices flagging images that have been improperly used, resulting in significant fines. Our union has a strict policy against the improper use of copyrighted material of any kind.

The use of copyrighted material is of particular concern when posting photos and other images to websites and social media or sending them via email. Many people assume that they can use any image they find online. This is not true. Most photos and images available online are subject to copyright protections.

To be safe, you should use photos and images that you or your members have created.

We recommend that you do not use images found on other websites. If you do, be very cautious. Many websites that claim to be “royalty free” have strict requirements for attribution. If you don’t follow those requirements exactly, you can face fines.

Company Logos on Websites & Other Communications
Whether or not you need permission to use a company's logo on websites or other communications depends on how the logo is used. This includes logos that may be altered as satire or parody. Context, brand management and trademark issues need to be considered. Before using a company logo, it is best to seek advice from CWA's legal department via your staff rep.

Because of the increased scrutiny of copyrighted images online, especially photos, we recommend that you do a thorough review of your website and remove any images that might be subject to copyright.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the CWA Communications Department by submitting a support request.

Labor Studies Program
CWA/NETT works with Edvance to offer the Union College Benefit, giving CWA members and their families access to discounted tuition, up to 40% off, on accredited, online programs.

For existing and up-and-coming leaders, the Labor Studies program is a strong fit for stewards, delegates, and members interested in gaining skills in bargaining, grievances, leadership and more. It's a flexible, fully online program to help build skills and knowledge for most roles in your union – and it's a practical option for members already active in the local, or those you'd like to see step into that kind of role. Classes may be taken as stand alone or as part of a longer term education goal to earn an Associates Degree.

Check it out now at edvancecollegbenefit.com/cwa link to: https://edvancecollegebenefit.com/cwa?utm_campaign=36494346-CWA&utm_source=email&utm_content=leader_08172026

Need an easy way to get this information out to your members? Contact kcelata@cwa-union.org for custom flyers, website material as well as presenting at union meetings.

APTIFY SERIES: DID YOU KNOW?

You Can Update Membership Information in Bulk! 
Keeping your local’s membership information up to date doesn’t have to mean updating records one at a time!

With CWA Aptify’s Bulk Contact Information Update report, you can review and update contact information for all active records in your local—including members, non-members, and agency fee payers—in one convenient Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

How Does It Work?

It’s easy!

1. Download the Bulk Contact Information Update report.
2. Review & update the information in Excel.
3. Save the file without changing its structure.
4. Protect the file by password-protecting it and sending the file in a separate email or by sending an encrypted email to AptifySupport@cwa-union.org. (For tips on how to securely send your file, see last month’s S-T Talk)

That’s it! Our membership data team will upload the spreadsheet into Aptify and apply the updates in bulk. Please allow up to 24 hours for the changes to be processed.

Please review our Bulk Contact Information Update Quick Guide to follow step-by-step instructions with visual screenshots.

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

FINANCE:
Reimbursement Deadline
Locals please remember that all reimbursements need to be submitted to CWA and processed within 90 days of the event. Also, when submitting reimbursement requests please make sure that a detailed business purpose is included. All invoices need to have details that tell who, what, why, when and where and have copies of materials, flyers, ads, etc. If it is for lost time make sure to include the date and hours worked, what message was relayed and what activity was done, worksite visit, door knocks, phone banks, etc. Having all supporting documentation will help ensure timely processing.

COPE-COMPLIANCE:
Local LM Filing Deadline (For Fiscal Year Ending September 30th):

Locals with a Fiscal Year Ending date of September 30, 2026, have an LM filing with the Department of Labor due electronically by December 29, 2026.

Helpful Tips for Preparations:

• Not all accountants have experience with labor unions and LM reports. If you plan to use an accounting firm, contact them early to discuss your needs, due dates, and dates they need you to provide information to them.
• Don’t wait until the last minute; reconcile the local’s books monthly.
• Require documentation for every disbursement made.
• Assign sections of the report to separate individuals to work on.

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)

DUES:
Does Your Local Have Top-Down Per Diem or “Casual” Workers?

What do we mean by per diem or casual workers?
These are folks that do not have a set schedule at the employer. They can pick up shifts for one week, not work for a month, and then suddenly work another shift or two. They are *not* part-time workers; they are at-will workers.

Right now, we know that there are at least two CWA represented groups that fall into this category:

• healthcare workers
• substitute teachers

(This classification may apply to some other groups/PU’s but generally is not appropriate for “seasonal” units or other units representing people in a school system. If you are unsure, email us at duesquestions@cwa-union.org.)

If you have at-will workers in one or more top-down units, we need your input!

Please take our online survey HERE and help us design a better way to track and process these folks in Aptify.

DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION:
Union Plus: A complete resource for all things Disaster Related assistance from Union Plus.
Please distribute this flyer with valuable information to your members. unionplus.org/assistance.

Updated CWA Disaster Relief Applications for US and Canada
Now a convenient fillable form and easier process when your property is declared a complete loss.

Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook - US 
 

Disaster Relief Member Handbook - Canada 
 

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.

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.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):
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.
   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!
   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
   October 16, 2026 - 12pm ET

DISTRICT/SECTORS Staff Reps - Grievance Management module training sessions
   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.
   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.

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer