Kia ora Members,
This letter sets out the proposal by the RBHU Committee to introduce membership dues to Raise the Bar Hospitality Union Incorporated (RBHU, the Union).
Proposed Introduction of Membership Dues for Raise the Bar Hospitality Union
Membership dues are necessary for RBHU to meet core operating expenses, including printing costs, website maintenance, legal education, and ongoing subscriptions to Zoom and Canva (an online platform used for the design of visual promotional material). RBHU also needs to repay debts owing to individual Committee Members who have used their personal finances to purchase essential expenses for the Union while RBHU income has been low.
The RBHU Committee recognises the need for greater Member consultation before substantial membership dues are introduced. On that basis, the RBHU Committee proposes to request a low-level sum as membership dues to be paid by all Members. This sum is expected to apply as a one-off payment, while the RBHU Committee undertakes wide-ranging consultation with Members as to the correct amount for membership dues and the processes which ought to be in place around membership dues.
As proposed, dues will be payable by Members as set out in the below table:
| Membership type | Dues payable (per year) | |
| 1 | Members | $10.00 |
| 2 | Solidarity Members | No charge, but voluntary donation of $10.00 will be requested annually. |
The above table sets out dues payable by Members, whether they are working full-time or part-time.
Dues will be charged annually from 1 August 2022. Payments will be due by 1 September 2022 as a one-off payment.
Details on how dues can be paid will be provided by the RBHU Committee in July 2022.
Additions to the Constitution and Rules for Raise the Bar Hospitality Union are also proposed in order to provide a basic process for the collection of membership dues:
- Exemptions will be made by the RBHU Committee on a case-by-case basis for Members who are experiencing financial hardship or unemployment.
- A Member defaults on their dues payment if dues are not paid by 1 September 2022 and the Member does not have an exemption.
- A Member must be informed in writing of their default in payment and asked to pay the required dues.
- If a Member does not pay the required dues within 30 days of receiving a notice requiring payment, the Treasurer may, with the consent of the Leader, terminate the Members’ membership of the Union.
- The Member must be given notice in writing of a decision to terminate their membership.
Any grievances or disputes with regard to membership dues can always be raised in accordance with the Constitution and Rules for Raise the Bar Hospitality Union.
Ngā mihi,
Chloe Ann-King, BVA, PGD (Teaching, secondary) PGC (Human Rights)
Leader / Volunteer Media and Communications Strategist, Volunteer Legal Advocate
Raise the Bar Hospitality Union Incorporated
