Amazon Labor Union-IBT Local 1
Membership and Voluntary Dues
What are (Voluntary) Dues?
Organizing ourselves as workers isn’t easy. When we stand together to demand better from a greedy corporation, management will do everything in its power to divide us, spread misinformation, and weaken our unity. To fight back, we need resources.
Dues are how we, as workers, pool our money together to build the power we need to transform our working conditions. By contributing to our union, we equip ourselves to stay organized, push back against company tactics, and win real improvements in our workplace.
Why would I want to pay voluntary union dues?
When we launched our union drive at JFK8, we made a promise: “No dues until contract.” That promise stands. No worker will ever be required to pay dues until we win a contract that delivers the raises, benefits, and job protections we deserve.
But our fight isn’t over. Winning a strong contract means staying organized, and organizing takes resources. By contributing dues voluntarily, you’re helping to strengthen our union, expand our reach, and increase our power to win the contract we need.
What do my dues contributions go towards?
Every dollar contributed to our union is decided on by us, the members. As part of ALU-IBT Local 1, we elect our own leadership, vote on organizing priorities, and approve union spending. No outside organization dictates where our money goes—we decide, together.
To ensure full transparency, members can always request financial reports from the Secretary-Treasurer. Leadership also provides monthly financial updates at general meetings and quarterly audit reports to keep everyone informed.
Typically, union dues help fund:
✅ Printing and distributing union literature
✅ Producing union apparel (t-shirts, vests, etc.)
✅ Maintaining a union hall for meetings and organizing
✅ And whatever else we collectively decide!
How much are voluntary dues?
Voluntary means voluntary—you contribute what you can. The minimum suggested contribution is $20 per month, with a recommended contribution of $40 per month ($10 per week). If you’re able to give more, your support helps all of us build the power we need to win.