Unions can represent members in lots of ways, such as ensuring they get the minimum wage and representing them in workers' compensation cases. But there are hurdles to this new model of organization. Traditionally, unions have collected dues through a payroll deduction, but that doesn't work when there are multiple employers. Some of the unions now collect dues through bank drafts, said Fitzsimmons. Courtney said he thinks of Washtech.org a bit like the Sierra Club.
Members pay dues voluntarily.
And he knows members want valuable services in exchange, so the group is considering a training program. Until it can build a financial base of support, the Communication Workers of America is footing the bill. This is a hard thing for unions to do because temporary workers tend to be transitory and traditionally don't have much allegiance to their work sites or unions, said Kerry Notestine, an employment lawyer who represents management with Littler Mendelson in Houston. It's more of a risk for employers when the temps are long term and when the whole industry relies on them, Notestine said. And that pretty much describes the software industry.