Yes. There is a fee associated with being a member of a union. Union dues are what you pay to help support the unions' operating costs, which include union support staff, field staff, legal costs, negotiation costs, arbitrator's fees, and other related costs. Many unions also use dues to create strike funds, and to support union organizing and political activity. Although there is no law that specifically designates the amount, the fee must be reasonable. Dues structures vary widely from union to union based on needs. Some unions charge a fixed monthly rate while others charge of a percentage of members paychecks. In addition, many unions charge an initiation fee when an individual first joins.