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 →](/blog/union-member-savings-referral-program-2026) - [Join as a Union →](/join/unions) - [Referral Earnings Calculator →](/earn/calculator)