I have found the recent editorials on unionization of Penn State clerical workers very informative, and I agree that we need to be educated and informed. We must get the pros and cons, assessing needs, being clear that these needs will be met.

Some issues regarding the unionization effort at Penn State need to be cleared up.

The following question has been asked: What happens to benefits during the interval between the time that a union election is held in favor of unionizing and the actual contract?

According to Pennsylvania law, benefits cannot be changed in any way during that time period. Employees are misinterpreting this to mean they will still receive the customary July 1 cost of living increase, should it fall within that time period, when in fact this would not occur.

Whether or not a clerical step increase would be issued is a matter for legal counsel to determine.

In addition, organizing committee members are saying, no, those who choose not to be members of the union, should it be voted in, will not necessarily be charged a service fee in lieu of dues. That is a matter to be negotiated in the contract.

Do you honestly believe that this matter will not be negotiated into the contract? The union supporters argue that this is fair because the union represents all employees regardless of union membership.

One of the questions that must be answered is what proportion of dues will be used locally? To what extent will regional and national offices have control over the expenditure of dues?

Penn State employees: Make an effort to attend all meetings concerned with unionization issues. You must ask questions, and seek correct answers don't depend on hearsay!