TNBC Chicago Chapter

💰 KNOW YOUR BENEFITS WEDNESDAY

Learn How to Read Your Paycheck

One thing I hear all the time as a union organizer and from union stewards is:

“I don’t know how much I make.”

“I don’t even look at my paycheck.”

“My check just gets deposited into my account.”

Then, when something looks different, the first thing people say is:

“The union is taking my money!”

My question is…

Did you read your paycheck?

Did you check your:

✅ Hours worked

✅ Hourly rate

✅ Overtime

✅ Federal taxes

✅ State taxes

✅ Social Security

✅ Medicare

✅ Health insurance

✅ Pension contributions

✅ 401(k) contributions

✅ Union dues

✅ Sick time

✅ Vacation time

✅ Personal time balances

Your paycheck tells a story. If you don’t read it, you won’t know if something is right or wrong.

New Union Members

When you start a union job, your union steward or union representative will usually introduce themselves, explain your union, review your contract, and provide paperwork for you to complete.

Take the time to read the information and ask questions if you don’t understand something.

If your union has a membership or dues authorization form, don’t ignore it. Complete it and return it promptly.

Becoming an informed member starts on your very first day.

To Union Stewards

Education starts with YOU.

You are often the first face of the union that a new employee meets.

Your job is not just to hand someone paperwork.

Your job is to:

📚 Educate the member.

🤝 Build trust.

📖 Explain the union contract.

💵 Explain union dues and benefits.

🛡️ Help members understand their rights and responsibilities.

Remember…

An educated member becomes a stronger member.

The more members understand their paycheck and their union contract, the fewer misunderstandings there will be.

Don’t wait until your paycheck is short to ask questions.

Read your paycheck every payday.

Know your hourly rate.

Know your deductions.

Know your benefits.

Knowledge is power. Education is the key.

At the Teamsters National Black Caucus (TNBC) Chicago Chapter, we are committed to educating our members because an educated membership builds a stronger union.

The Educated Teamster

Educate • Empower • Organize • Lead



I would add one final line because it’s memorable and fits your teaching style:

“Stop guessing. Start checking. Your paycheck tells your story.”

TNBC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: TNBC Meeting
Time: Jul 11, 2026 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 827 8307 7497
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