FAQs

How do I join FOCUS?

Simply fill out the MFPE membership form. Our local number is 8521.

Why should I become a member?

You have to join to have a voice in the union. While the contract we negotiate determines the wages, benefits, and working conditions of everyone we represent, whether or not you belong to the union, only union members have a voice in that contract. Through monthly meetings, pre-bargaining surveys, bargaining updates, and the final contract vote, members control the direction of contract negotiations.

The union's power is our membership. Our credibility and leverage in negotiations for wages and benefits depend entirely on the size and engagement of our membership. The more members we have, the more credibly we speak for the staff we represent. As our membership grows, therefore, so does our ability to win meaningful improvements to wages and benefits.

Members also get access to a wide range of financial benefits through our national affiliates, NEA and AFT. Special deals are available on everything from mortgages and insurance to travel bookings, student debt support, cell phone plans, and online shopping websites. Learn more at MFPE's member benefits page.

What does being in the union involve?

The union is only what we make of it, and if you want to be involved, there’s a role for you. All members receive email newsletters from our local president, are welcome to participate in monthly chapter meetings, and are given the opportunity to vote on our contract every two years. But our members do far more than that. If you’re interested in taking a more active role in our local—whether as a steward, a conference delegate, or something else—we’d love your help. Just speak to an officer or steward to learn more and get involved. 

How much are dues?

MFPE charges membership dues each month according to a five-tiered salary schedule. Dues are determined each year by union members like you at our Annual Conference. The table below lists dues as of September 1, 2022. Local dues assessed by the Federation of Classified University Staff are established annually by the FOCUS membership.

Where do my dues dollars go?

Local dues support the work members do on this campus, including providing lunch at meetings and subsidizing member travel for union business. MFPE dues fund our statewide union’s staff, including our field representative who represents our interests at work and our staff in Helena who do everything from basic administrative work to growing our union to representing us at the Capitol and across the state. Ask a steward if you’d like more information. National dues paid to NEA and AFT mostly come right back to us as a mix of ongoing and short-term financial support.

Who can I talk to about problems at work? 

You can contact any of our stewards or officers or our field representative using their contact info found here. In the meantime, make sure to check out Your Contract, Your Rights for immediate advice on how to protect yourself.