If you are contemplating an unpaid leave of absence due to maternity, illness, or other personal reasons, keep in mind the importance of maintaining your union membership while you are on leave. While you are receiving a paycheck, your dues are automatically payroll deducted, but while on unpaid leave this deduction will end, as will your membership. However, you may continue your membership, the dues of which will be significantly reduced due to your inactive employment status, by arranging to pay a lump sum payment for dues. You may contact Sumalee Johnson at 949.951.5373 for information about this option.

Maintaining your membership while you are on unpaid leave ensures your eligibility to participate in the following member benefit programs:

CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan: The CTA Death and Dismemberment Plan provides a life insurance benefit that increases with each year of continuous CTA membership, until the maximum benefit is reached after 10 years. A break in membership means that the 10 year period will begin all over upon renewing membership when you return from unpaid leave. The NEA Dues-Tab life insurance program has similar membership benefits, requirements and restrictions.

CTA Group Legal Services Program: CTA membership must be in effect when the incident occurs for which you need assistance and maintained throughout the entire period during which assistance is rendered.

CTA Well-Baby Program: If you are on unpaid child care leave and wish to continue participation in the Well-Baby Program, CTA membership must be current.

CTA Voluntary Life and Disability Insurance Plans: (Unum-Provident Disability and Income Protection Plan) You will jeopardize your voluntary life and disability coverage if your membership ceases, as Unum-Provident only offers its plan to current CTA members.

CTA Auto and Home Insurance: You must maintain your CTA membership to receive preferential premium rates. Policies offered by A+ Auto and Home Insurance Plus (managed by California Casualty) will increase at renewal, if your CTA membership is not current.

If you have questions regarding your membership, please contact Sumalee Johnson at the phone number above or the CTA Membership Accounting Department at 650.552.5278. If you have questions regarding your member benefits, please contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at 650.552.5200.