Fact: 99% of unions do not charge Initiation Fees, which are waived during a organizing drive. As far as dues are concerned, first of all, you will not be charged any dues at all until a Written Union Contract is agreed upon. Most unions also allow you to ratify your contract so you see what your getting prior to paying any dues, but typically, dues run about $8-12/week. In a "Right To Work" state, like Michigan, ALL DUES ARE VOLUNTARY NOT MANDATORY! When you compare your present pay, benefits, working conditions and the lack of job security vs. improvements in pay, benefits, working conditions and job security spelled out in a Written Union Contract, the cost of belonging to any union far exceeds the dues, which our members call JOB SECURITY.