A message from Local USA 829 Financial Secretary, Michael C. Smith:
As another member quarterly billing month ends, I often share one piece of advice with members: “Always check your paystub.”
Most people overlook the table of dollar amounts and codes (Fig. 1), but taking just a quick moment to review it can save you a lot of frustration later. This article highlights a few key items to check when you’re paid using the “generic” pay stub format shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1:
USA 829 Work 2% Dues
Let’s start with the last item in the blue section of Figure 1: USA 829 dues deductions.
This is often a major source of member frustration for those who are not vigilant. Always confirm that your Local USA 829 work dues—2% of your gross wages, including over-scale, overtime, and additional weekly compensation—are deducted each pay period.
With most paystubs now available only digitally, it’s easy to overlook this detail. If dues are not deducted and remitted to the Business Office, you will still be billed for the full amount, often all at once, during the quarterly billing cycle. This can come as an unwelcome surprise.
If your paystub does not show dues being deducted:
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Notify your payroll department immediately.
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If the problem continues, contact your Business Office Representative.
Keep in mind: the obligation to pay dues does not expire over time. You may be billed months after a project has ended if dues were missed. With digital reporting improving audit accuracy, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant.
Earnings
The highlighted yellow section in Figure 1 lists your hours and earnings.
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Confirm that your pay matches the contractual published rate or any individually negotiated rate, including overtime if applicable.
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If you spot an error, contact your payroll department immediately.
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If you’re unsure about your rate, reach out to your Business Representative.
Taxes & Other Deductions
The highlighted blue section (right side of Figure 1) lists all itemized deductions from your gross wages. This includes:
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Federal Tax Withholding (based on your W-4)
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Social Security Tax (6.2% of gross wages)
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Medicare Tax (1.45% of gross wages)
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State Withholding Tax (varies by state)
401(k) Deduction
If you are contributing to the USA 829 401(k) Plan, confirm that:
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The agreement you are working under allows for 401(k) deductions, and
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You have submitted a USA 829 401(k) Plan Investment Authorization Form.
If you have submitted the form but don’t see this deduction, there’s a problem.
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Check your paystub and your Vanguard Account regularly to confirm contributions are being deposited.
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Report missing contributions immediately to your payroll department, the USA 829 office, or the 401(k) plan administrator (Zenith American Solutions) so it can be corrected quickly.
You are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your financial well-being. Spotting and addressing problems early is the best way to avoid bigger issues later. I hope this paystub primer helps—keep up the good work!