Representational Terms and Costs

Membership Requirement: The Union has the right to require membership for certain representational matters and cases including appeals of performance appraisals, after discipline has been proposed, for complaints of discrimination, and for appeals of adverse actions before third party arbiters like the Merits Systems Protection Board. Non-members will be required to join the Union prior to representation.

Costs of Representation: If the Union accepts your request for representation, you may be responsible for some or all of the costs incurred by the Union during the course of representation, regardless of your membership status. Depending on the complexity of the case, the expected workload, and the need to secure legal counsel, the Union may charge a retainer fee to cover some or all of the costs of representation. The fee schedule below is the minimum charged for each type of case. The actual fee charged will depend on the merits and complexity of each case. The Union reserves the right to waive the fees below on a case-by-case basis, especially in cases where the individual is or will be experiencing a financial hardship:

   * Non-Adverse Action (counseling, letter of reprimand, suspension of 14 days or less, demotion): $650+

   * Adverse Action (suspension of 15 days or more, termination): $1300+

   * Discrimination Complaint: $650+

   * MSPB Appeal (initial appeal only, does not include petition for review): $1300+

Arbitration Costs and Attorney Fees: The Union has the right to determine whether to invoke arbitration concerning an employee complaint, and whether to seek legal help/assistance in processing a complaint via arbitration. That determination is based on several considerations. Primarily it is based on the merits of your case. Other considerations include whether the Union will incur any costs or fees, including attorney fees, in pursuing arbitration. Depending on the merits and strength of your individual case, the Union may choose not to pursue arbitration on a particular matter. Alternately, even when the Union determines that arbitration may be appropriate, we may request that the employee(s) covered by the matter in dispute pay none, some, or all of the costs associated with the arbitration regardless of whether you are a dues-paying member. 

Fee for Back-Pay Claims: In certain cases, LIUNA Local 1776 will charge a fee to process back-pay claims. The fee is 10% of the expected back-pay award, and it is to be paid up-front. This 10% is in addition to any other costs or fees, including attorney fees the Union may incur, that may be charged during the course of presenting a claim.

No Guarantee of Results: Seeking representation in a workplace matter is an important decision. Each situation is unique, and the ultimate disposition of a case depends on a number of different factors, including the individual merits of the case. The Union cannot guarantee a specific outcome, especially a favorable one, in any particular case. As such, LIUNA Local 1776 and its agents make no promises or guarantees in regard to the outcome of your individual case. Our prior successes do not guarantee a similar future outcome.