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Memberships & Organizations/Labor Unions

Get Your Union Membership Reinstated After Revocation or Lapse

High UrgencyStatus: revoked

Your union membership has been revoked or lapsed, potentially affecting your employment in a union shop, your pension benefits, and your access to union-negotiated protections. The reinstatement process depends heavily on the union's bylaws and the reason for revocation.

Best Case
1–7 days (dues lapse: pay and reinstate immediately)
Typical
2–4 weeks (requires executive board approval)
Worst Case
3–12 months (formal appeal for expulsion) or permanent
Est. Cost
$100–$5,000+
DifficultyModerate

Dues lapses are typically simple to resolve. Expulsions for bylaw violations require formal appeals and may involve LMRDA proceedings, making them significantly more complex.

⚠Why This Happens

Non-payment of union dues

Most common

Failure to pay union dues (whether through payroll deduction failure or direct non-payment) is the most common reason for membership lapse. Most unions have a grace period before termination.

Employment gap / job loss

Common

Losing employment in a union shop may result in membership lapse if you don't maintain dues payments during the unemployment period. Some unions allow continued membership while unemployed.

Violation of union bylaws or constitution

Moderate

Actions that violate the union's rules, such as crossing a picket line, working below union scale, or engaging in anti-union activity, can result in expulsion or revocation.

Failure to return from leave properly

Moderate

Workers who don't properly notify the union when returning from leave or changing employers may have their membership lapse administratively.

Union decertification affecting entire local

Less common

If a union is decertified at a workplace, all memberships in that local lapse by operation of law.

🎯What To Do Right Now

  1. 1

    Contact your local union immediately

    Call or visit your local union hall. Speak with the union secretary or business agent. Ask specifically whether your membership can be reinstated and what the requirements are.

    ~Same day
  2. 2

    Request a copy of the union's bylaws regarding reinstatement

    All unions have bylaws that specify reinstatement procedures, reinstatement fees, and any waiting periods. Understanding these rules is essential.

    ~1–3 days
  3. 3

    Pay all outstanding dues and reinstatement fees

    For dues lapses, paying all back dues plus the reinstatement fee (initiation fee may apply) is typically all that's required. Some unions require board approval.

    ~1–7 days
  4. 4

    For expulsion or revocation: file a formal appeal

    If you were expelled for a bylaw violation, you have the right to appeal under the union's internal appeals process and potentially under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).

    ~30–90 days
  5. 5

    Check your employment status in a union shop

    In a closed shop or union security agreement, loss of union membership may affect your employment. Consult with the union or an employment attorney about your rights.

    ~Immediately if employment is affected
  6. 6

    File with the National Labor Relations Board if rights are violated

    If you believe the union has unfairly denied reinstatement or violated the LMRDA, you can file an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB.

    ~File within 6 months of the violation

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