Hearing “Stop My Dues” for the first time? You probably have some questions.

A: Yes. You are entitled to the exact same pay, vacation time, sick leave, work assignment and all other contractual rights of your employment. In fact, as a Civil Servant you are entitled to all of the same rights, benefits and protections negotiated with your government employer. See “Stop Your Dues. Keep Your Rights.”

A. Yes. All government employees have the right to stop paying dues by opting-out of their union. The US Supreme Court decision in Janus vs. AFSCME grants this right to civil service workers. Qualifying workers now have the opportunity to enroll in an EEZEE Choice Protection & Benefits plan while preserving their pay and benefits. Take the quick “See If You Qualify” questionnaire and find out if EEZEE Choice is right for you.

A: No, it is not. EEZEE Choice was created to finally give Civil Servants the choice they’ve been waiting for. EEZEE Choice is not against organized labor nor collective bargaining. It’s simply a better deal for our civil service workers who have been let down by their unions. (See “Why EEZEE Choice Was Created”).

A: Absolutely. Opting-out is not a legal basis for termination nor any other sanction. Your government employer cannot discipline you for exercising your constitutional right to opt out of your union. Participants in EEZEE Choice retain all of the entitlements under decisional law protecting your title, employment contract and legislated worker rights. (Read More “Stop Your Dues. Keep Your Rights”)

A: Nothing you’ll miss. The union can bar you from attending union meetings, voting on union issues and running for union office. Studies show that most workers rarely, if ever, attend union meetings and even fewer seek union office. The union can decline to advocate for you in workplace grievances. The good news is that you no longer need to rely on the union to pick your representative. EEZEE Choice will provide an experienced attorney focused in labor law to fight for you. Additionally you keep your pay, benefits and other rights equal to those that choose to stay in the union (See “Stop Your Dues. Keep Your Rights.”).

A: About 30 days. Once your government employer and union are properly notified, union dues deductions must stop immediately. This process typically takes one month’s time. 

A: Yes.  EEZEE Choice is committed to making your transition as simple and favorable as possible. EEZEE Choice provides the EZC-OOA opt-out form, instructions and legal assistance in your opt-out process. Your EEZEE Choice affiliated law firm will make all mandatory notifications to your employer and the union required to stop your payroll dues deductions.

These valuable services are included with your enrollment in EEZEE Choice at no additional cost.

A: It’s A Better Deal for Workers. The US Supreme Court granted Civil Service Workers the freedom to stop paying union dues. EEZEE Choice was created to offer an alternative solution, providing better worker protection and benefits at a fraction of the cost while retaining all of the rights achieved through legislation and collective bargaining.  (See “Why EEZEE Choice Was Created”).

A: An EEZEE Choice Certified Attorney.  As an EEZEE Choice Participant you will be represented by an experienced labor law firm with a proven record of success. This coverage is provided FREE of charge or at greatly discounted rates based on your preferred plan.

A: You Keep Those Benefits. Your Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug or other benefits paid for by your employer continue even after opting out. Your union dues DO NOT pay for these benefits. You and your dependents are entitled to receive the same health benefits as those that still pay union dues.

A: It remains unchanged. If you are a New York City civil service worker entitled to an Annuity Fund contribution, you will continue to receive your share of these payments without interruption. 

A: Yes. Your family continues to be protected. You and your family will still receive all of the employer provided health coverage as part of your wage and benefit compensation.

A: The union. The US Supreme Court ruled that non-dues paying workers must receive the same wages and benefits as employees who continue to pay union dues. The union will remain obligated to negotiate contracts with your government employer for all workers in your civil service title. 

A: Not necessarily. This is a great time to try out EEZEE Choice. If you are not ready to end your interactions with the union you may choose to continue to pay union dues while you evaluate EEZEE Choice as an additional layer of protection and benefits for you and your family. Then, when you make the decision to save the money that you’ve been paying in union dues, EEZEE Choice will help you stop those deductions from your check while preserving your most important rights and entitlements at a fraction of the cost.

A: Not yet but soon. EEZEE Choice is committed to providing options for protection and benefits to all civil service workers, active and retired. Innovative Plans are now being structured to meet the specific needs of civil servants who have loyally served the public up to their retirement. EEZEE Choice is preparing to offer EEZEE Choice for Retirees™ in the near future. These plans will provide comparable service and support to the currently available EEZEE Choice plans and will be provided at even greater discounts. Full details of those plans will be announced through all EEZEE Choice websites, social media accounts and timely promotions.

A: EEZEE Choice is for everyone. EEZEE Choice plans are available to anyone who is 18 years or older and lives within the current EEZEE Choice service area*. With simple, inexpensive terms and a growing list of protections and benefits EEZEE Choice is a great option for any worker that wants the added peace-of-mind that these customized plans provide.

(*Additional limitations may apply: See the “Terms & Policies” section of this website) 

A: Use the Contact EEZEE Choice Messenger. EEZEE Choice provides many resources to assist you in your decision to opt-out and stop paying dues. For questions before you enroll, contact support with the EEZEE Choice Online Message Center. EEZEE Choice Participants can also use take advantage of expanded support including FREE consultation time with experienced attorneys.