why do public defenders need a union?

There are actually a significant number of other public defender unions all across the United States. In 2020,  the ABA published an article noting the trend in public defender unionization.  

We need a union because collective action is always stronger and more powerful than individual action. Whether we are collectively lobbying the legislature to meet our system needs and change sentencing laws, or collectively working with OSPD to address internal concerns, we need solidarity to achieve change. 

As workers on the ground in the trenches, we have a valuable perspective regarding how to best meet our ethical obligations to our clients. Our union provides a critical means for our voice to be heard and to ensure our perspective is considered when the OSPD or the legislature makes decisions that impact our clients and working conditions. Our union gives us a platform to band together and disrupt the balance of power between our employer and us.

Can I join DUC?

Any non-management employee of OSPD can join the union. Additionally, former or retired OSPD employees are also encouraged to join. 

While supervisors are not eligible to join the union there are many “management employees” who support our efforts. 

How much are dues?

Membership dues are on a sliding scale based on OSPD salary.

• $40,00 or less per year $15.00 per month

• $40,000 - $55,000 per year $23.00 per month

• $55,000 - $75,000 per year $31.00 per month

• $75,000 - $95,000 per year $39.00 per month

• $95,000 and up per year $47.00 per month

• Former or Retired Employee $15.00 per month

Your dues are determined by your salary, not joint income if you have a partner and/or file joint taxes.

Why should I pay dues?

Dues are an investment in our collective action and are critical to establishing our power. They are a shared resource for growing our union and advocating for ourselves. Dues are an investment in our collective action. Ultimately, members decide where the majority of our dues go, but some examples are funding web and print infrastructure, funding our mutual aid fund, and funding new member-proposed initiatives. Dues = power, and there are many examples of public defenders and other public sector unions using this power to secure additional funding and increased wages.

• April 2022, Montana Public Defenders union agreement increases entry level and first year salaries by about $10,000 

• March 2022, Minnesota Public Defenders reach agreement that includes 3.5% retroactive pay increase from July 1, 2021 and an additional 3% increase after July 1 2022. 

• December 2021, AFSCME Maryland 3, which represents multiple public sector unions including Maryland Public Defenders negotiated a 7% cost of living adjustment and two step increases which totaled around 4.8%.

However, being in the union isn’t just about increased pay – there is intangible value in your voice being represented in the workplace. 

Does joining DUC impact my ability to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?

Absolutely not. Under PSLF any federal, state, local, or tribal government agency is considered a “qualifying employer.” Our union is still made up by state employees, just state employees with more power.

Who is CWA-7799?

Communications Workers of America (CWA) is a national union that represents more than 100,000 public workers across the United States. The local, or 7799, is a coalition of Colorado Public Sector Unions fighting for workers’ rights. There are currently 4 other units affiliated with CWA local 7799:

• Denver Health Workers United

• Denver Public Library Workers United

• UCHealth Workers United

• United Campus Workers - Colorado

What portion of dues go to the national CWA?

We retain over 80% of all money from our member dues; only $4.00 per member, per month, goes to CWA national. As a new union, we receive far more assistance from National CWA than we contribute. But we know a small percentage of our dues help other struggling workers in their efforts to unionize.