WHAT IS GRATUITOUS MEMBERSHIP & WHY DOES IT MATTER?

At Suffolk AME, we recognize that our members may sometimes need to take a break from their County employment — whether due to layoffs, medical leaves, military service, or childcare. During these times, our members must remain fully protected and represented by the Association. That’s exactly why the concept of Gratuitous Membership exists.

► What is Gratuitous Membership?

Gratuitous Membership is a special status granted to members who are in good standing but temporarily not actively working in their Suffolk County positions due to certain circumstances.

This includes situations like:

• Laid-Off Members

• Disabled Members

• Family and Medical Leave Act

• Members on Military Leave

• Child Care Leave

When granted Gratuitous Membership, these members retain all their rights as active members, including the right to grievance and disciplinary representation. This is crucial because it ensures that even when members are not physically working, they are still fully supported by the Association.

► Breaking Down the Policy

While the official policy, detailed in Article 17 Section 4 of our Constitution and Bylaws, can be a bit complex, here’s an easier-to-understand summary:

Notification is Key: Members must notify Suffolk AME within 30 days of their layoff, suspension, leave of absence, or childcare leave to be granted Gratuitous Membership. Military members called to active duty are an exception and receive automatic membership status during active service.

Laid-Off Members: If you’ve been laid off and placed on a preferred list, you can apply for Gratuitous Membership that lasts up to one year after your layoff (application currently required).

Disabled Members: If you are disabled due to an accident or illness and on leave without pay, you may be granted Gratuitous Membership for as long as your disability leave lasts (application currently required).

FMLA Leave: Members on unpaid FMLA leave can apply for Gratuitous Membership during their leave period (application currently required).

Child Care Leave: Members on childcare leave may also apply for Gratuitous Membership for the duration of their leave (application currently required).

Military Leave: Members called to active duty automatically have Gratuitous Membership; they just need to inform the Executive Board within 30 business days of returning to their Suffolk County role.

► A Note About Elected Positions: If a member holding an elected unit position is laid off, suspended, or on leave, their elected role is temporarily suspended until they return to their original position in Suffolk County.

► Why Is Gratuitous Membership So Important?

This policy ensures you don’t lose your relationship with the Association or your membership rights simply because you are temporarily away from your job. It also guarantees that if any workplace issues arise during your leave — such as grievances or disciplinary matters — you will continue to receive full representation and support from Suffolk AME.

► Looking Ahead

To better serve our members, the Suffolk AME Executive Board plans to collaborate with our Constitution & Bylaws (C&B) Committee to clarify and update the language around Gratuitous Membership. Our aim is to ensure the policy clearly reflects its purpose: to protect and represent members fully, even when they are on leave.

If you have questions about your membership status or how to apply for Gratuitous Membership, please contact our office. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

You can find a digital version of our Constitution and Bylaws as of the 2024 Convention on the website, or by clicking here.