What “Good Standing” Means — and How to Keep It

Nearly every right in this lesson comes with the phrase “member in good standing.” So it’s worth knowing exactly what that means — because it’s simpler than it sounds.

📜 From Our Governing Documents

“A person who is current on their dues is an active member. The terms ‘active member’ and ‘member in good standing’ may be used interchangeably. Continuous good standing means compliance with the provisions of this Constitution concerning the payment of dues.”
— Local 109 Constitution, Article V, Section 5 (Membership)

💬 In plain terms: Good standing = current on your dues. That’s the core of it. Stay current, and you hold the full set of rights from Topic 3.1.

What happens if you fall behind. The constitution sets a clear line:

📜 From Our Governing Documents

“Any member who becomes three (3) months delinquent in dues payments shall be automatically suspended and no longer be an active member in good standing.”
— Local 109 Constitution, Article XII, Section 4 (Finances)

💬 In plain terms: Fall three months behind on dues and you’re automatically suspended — you lose good standing, and with it the right to vote, run, and take part. It’s not a punishment someone decides to hand down; it happens on its own. The good news: it’s fixable. To get back to good standing, a suspended member pays a reinstatement fee plus the back dues owed, and standing is restored. (Check the current reinstatement amount with the Secretary-Treasurer or the current dues schedule — figures like that can change.)

One important distinction, carried over from Lesson 2: losing good standing for not paying dues is not the same as being disciplined on internal charges. It runs on these ordinary dues rules, not the disciplinary process — and it reverses the moment you’re current again. If you ever believe you were suspended in error, there’s an appeal path to the Executive Board; ask leadership how to start it.

💡 Think first: What’s the simplest way to keep your full rights as a member — and what happens if you fall three months behind on dues? Decide, then click.

Stay current on your dues — that’s what “good standing” means. Fall three months behind and you’re automatically suspended: you lose good standing and the rights that come with it, until you pay a reinstatement fee plus back dues and your standing is restored. It’s not a disciplinary charge, and it’s reversible. If you think a suspension was a mistake, you can appeal to the Executive Board.