AFGE Local 2883

We know there’s been a lot of confusion around who can pay dues, what it means to be a dues-paying member, and how it’s different from just being a bargaining unit employee (BUE). So, we’re going to start breaking it down here. 

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WHO 

Who can become a dues-paying member? 

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• BUEs: You’re represented by AFGE Local 2883 because of your job series and you benefit from the protections in our collective bargaining agreement. While dues aren’t mandatory, becoming a dues-paying member helps sustain the work we do every day on your behalf and gives you access to the full range of union benefits. Membership dues help support the work that is already being done on your behalf. 

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• Non-BUEs: While you are not currently covered by the bargaining unit, you can join as a 2883 member to help build strength, expand representation, and get access to all the benefits listed below. Employees under Title 5, Title 42, and Title 38 are all eligible to join. If you’re in a professional job series (e.g., 601, 101, 401, 1530), you can also support the petitioning effort to get all eligible job series into our bargaining unit! 

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• RIFed or Separated Probationary Employees: You’re encouraged to remain or become a dues-paying member if you can. Membership gives you access to critical support, including time-sensitive updates and legal coordination. If you’ve been separated, our membership benefits include discounts and programs, including dental and vision insurance— resources that can ease financial strain. For those impacted by a RIF: It’s because of AFGE Local 2883 and our national union’s work in AFGE v. Trump that a preliminary injunction has kept you on administrative leave and on payroll.  

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• Supervisors: You can become members and support the broader fight for federal workers’ rights (including the fight against the RIF and reorganization). You have access to some of the benefits listed above except voting in union elections, running for office, and contract negotiations. 

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• Retirees: You can remain a member even if you have retired. Membership for retirees is only $50/year.  

 

❌ Commissioned Corps Officers: Not eligible for membership under federal law 

 

WHAT 

What does it mean to be a dues-paying member of AFGE Local 2883? 

Being a dues-paying member means you’re not just represented—you’re invested in the fight to protect and expand workplace rights during a time when federal workers are under attack. Your membership supports the organizing, legal, and bargaining work that keeps our protections strong, and growing. 

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WHY 

Why pay dues? What do you get out of it? 

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• Legal Power: Dues fund legal challenges that block executive orders, stop harmful reorganizations, and fight unjust terminations. (e.g. AFGE v. Trump (collective bargaining rights, RIFs, Reorgs), AFGE v. OPM (probationary employees). Our membership dues have directly helped AFGE fight and halt the RIF and restructuring, and they will continue to support that legal fight as well as any others needed to protect federal workers in the future. 

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• Union Democracy: Only dues-paying members (BUEs or non-BUEs; non-supervisory) can vote in union elections. If you don’t pay dues, you cannot vote, even if you’re a BUE covered by the union contract. Dues-paying BUEs can also run for officer positions.

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• Information & Access: Get invited to member town halls, free training, and receive timely updates on relevant and time sensitive information. 

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• Individual Representation: You can request union representation in disputes such as disciplinary actions, unfair treatment, harassment or discrimination, or unjust performance evaluations. AFGE can provide stewards, attorneys, or other support. 

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• Protection from Retaliation: As a member, you are protected under federal labor law (5 U.S.C. Chapter 71) for participating in union activity, attending meetings, or petitioning—this includes protections from management retaliation. 

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• Member-Only Benefits: Access to AFGE national perks, including discounts, financial services, dental and vision insurance options, and more. It’s a great deal that can more than make up for your dues! Check out the Member Benefits Guide.

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• Collective Voice: You help shape bargaining demands and union priorities. This means your concerns, ideas, and workplace issues become part of what the union fights for: from contract negotiations to agency-wide policy changes (e.g. expanded telework, reclassification and career ladder issues, hazard pay). A strong, engaged membership ensures the union reflects what workers actually want and need.  

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HOW 

How do I sign up to be a 2883 member? 

The safest, most direct way is through E-Dues, a secure method that keeps your membership active even if payroll deductions stop or add fees (e.g. from Executive Orders). You can sign up at any time and cancel your membership at any time.  

Join now at: https://join.afge.org/L2883