Who Can Join

Any member of the University of Florida bargaining unit is eligible to join the UF Chapter of United Faculty of Florida. The bargaining unit consists of faculty and other professionals in many colleges and units, including CLAS, Engineering, Arts, Business, HHP, Libraries, Education, Journalism, CWC, and PK Yonge. We represent both tenure track and non-tenure-track faculty. If you have any questions about whether or not you are in the bargaining unit, you are welcome to contact us for assistance.

If you are not in the bargaining unit (as is the case for faculty and professional staff in IFAS, Law, Health Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine), you can still join UFF as an “at-large” member of United Faculty of Florida. At-large member dues are approximately $500 per year. At-large members receive all the same benefits as any other UFF member, including grievance representation, legal representation, and the right to representation in disciplinary matters. However, the terms of their employment are not subject to the collective bargaining agreement negotiated by UFF-UF.

An at-large membership brochure and enrollment form is available here.  

Why you should join

Florida is a “right to work” state. That means that membership in the union that represents you at the bargaining table is not automatic. In other words, you can enjoy many of the benefits of union representation without paying dues. However, your membership contributes to UFF-UF’s collective voice, making us all more effective, whether lobbying the in the state legislature or negotiating your Collective Bargaining Agreement. Our collective strength comes back to you in increased salary and improved working conditions.

In addition, UFF-UF provides a number of specific benefits that are only for dues-paying members and their families. These include:

*Representation

As a member, you can receive UFF representation should you need to file a grievance. You also have the right to UFF representation in any meeting with a supervisor that may result in disciplinary action. Non-members must either represent themselves or hire outside legal assistance. This is a benefit that can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

*A voice in defining UFF priorities and plans

UFF-UF is led by its members.  We define our plans and priorities collegially and democratically. As a member, you have a say in all matters concerning UFF, including how we negotiate our contract, how we defend faculty rights and due process, and who represents us as UFF officers.

*Member discounts

UFF’s affiliation with the NEA and AFT entitles members to discounts in a host of services and goods, large and small. Here are some highlights:

• Insurance: a full range of discounted products, including life, home, auto, renter's, long-term care, catastrophic medical, veterinary, dental and vision. They also receive $1,000,000 complimentary professional liability insurance; $1,000 complimentary life insurance; $5,000 complimentary accidental death insurance. New members receive $15,000 complimentary life insurance for one year.
• Legal assistance: two free 30-minute legal consultations per year on non-work related matters (such as wills and estate planning, traffic matters, real estate, and family law) and up to a 30% discount for legal work performed.
• Financial: special rates and reduced closing costs on loans, including mortgage, home equity, personal, student loans, and credit cards
• Shopping: discounts on flowers, books, computers, wireless phone service, tax preparation, movie tickets, and more
• Travel: discounts on travel-related products and services, including purchases of union-made cars, car rentals, moving vans, hotels, vacation packages, theme park admissions, and Motor Club membership

To explore these and other member benefits, visit Florida Education Association Member Benefits (FEA); National Education Association Member Benefits (NEA); American Federation of Teachers Member Benefits (AFT); Union Plus Discounts & Benefits for Union Families (AFL-CIO)

updated 1/22/18