If you are a public employee under civil service, when you join the union, you retain all of your civil service rights. The union will work to protect the civil service system, to make it work and to guarantee it is fairly administered. Each has its own constitution, its own regular membership meetings, and its own elected officers and stewards. Councils provide services including contract negotiations, grievance handling, arbitrations, education programs, public relations, and legislative and political action. Every member has a vote in the election of local union officers and board members.
Some locals hire staff to provide services to the members.
International Union conventions are held every two years. That is a decision made locally by you and your fellow workers. In most cases, a strong, well-organized local will not have to strike. By representing the overwhelming majority of workers, the union can win at the bargaining table rather than on the streets. The ruling of a neutral third party designed to settle grievances between the employee or employees and the employer.