How Union Locals Set Up Member Savings Programs That Fund the Hall

Union locals face a constant tension: members want lower dues, the hall needs more funding. A recommendation program resolves this by redirecting a portion of spending members are already doing — hiring plumbers, booking travel, eating out — back to the local treasury. Members save through vetted providers. The hall earns passive income. Dues stay flat.

Last updated April 2026.

---

The Union Advantage

Unions have built-in infrastructure that makes this work better than almost any other organization:

• Mandatory meetings where you can announce and distribute materials
• Existing communication channels (newsletters, emails, apps)
• Strong member loyalty — union members support union-endorsed programs
• Bulk negotiation culture — members are used to collective purchasing power
• Steward network — shop stewards can distribute information to every worksite

How It Works

The local signs up and creates a recommendation page featuring vetted local services at negotiated or market rates. Members use the link for home services, travel, dining, and daily spending. A commission from each transaction flows to the local treasury.

Setup for Union Locals

Step 1: Executive Board Approval (1 meeting)

Present at the next E-board meeting. Key talking points: zero cost to members, no dues increase, passive income for the hall, transparent tracking.

Step 2: Create the Page (15 minutes)

Sign up at recommended.app. Customize with union-friendly local businesses — especially those with union labor.

Step 3: Steward Distribution (next meeting)

Give each steward a stack of business cards with the QR code. Stewards distribute at worksites.

Step 4: Newsletter/Email Blast

Include the link in your monthly newsletter: "Support your local — use our member recommendation page for home services and travel."

Projected Local Earnings

Local Size	Active (30%)	Monthly	Annual
100 members	30	$400-1,000	$4,800-12,000
500 members	150	$2,000-5,000	$24,000-60,000
1,000+ members	300+	$4,000-10,000+	$48,000-120,000

Union members have higher average incomes than general population and higher home ownership rates — both of which drive higher commission values.

---

Related Resources

• Union Member Savings Program →
• Join as a Union →
• Referral Earnings Calculator →