That's not a typo. If you aren't currently employed with a union shop, we strongly urge you to take an honorable withdrawal, which will save you from having to pay any dues until you get another union job.

To take an honorable withdrawal, you must be in good standing -- that is, fully paid up -- as of the current quarter . If you're in good standing, you have until the tenth day of the quarter to take an honorable withdrawal without having to pay that quarter's dues. Requests for honorable withdrawal must be in writing, dated and signed.

Members on honorable withdrawal are still considered in good standing. Withdrawal will not affect your health or pension benefits or 401(k) plan in any way. (Understand that if you have not worked at a union shop for a period of time, your health benefits will eventually expire. However, they will not expire any faster if you're on honorable withdrawal.)

If you return from withdrawal in less than a year, all you will owe will be the dues for the period you've been out. If you come back after a year, you'll save money -- you'll just owe the IA head tax for the period you are out, plus a $25.00 reinstatement fee. In no event will reinstatement from honorable withdrawal ever cost you more money than keeping your account active.

Members on honorable withdrawal still have the right to seek employment at union shops. Withdrawn members have "voice but no vote" at membership meetings. They may not vote in union elections or on the ratification of union contracts, and they may not run for union office while they are on withdrawal or for two years after reinstatement. With these exceptions, there is no disadvantage to you in taking a withdrawal.