UBC ID Number To Replace Social Security Number as 

Main Form of Membership Identification

     The General President has issued the following policy concerning membership records and the use of Social Security Numbers ( SSN ) as a form of membership identification. 

     There has been growing concern by members and their spouses about privacy and identity theft issues resulting from the UBC using SSN as a form of membership identification. Some states have passed laws that restrict how these numbers can be used. By eliminating the printing of SSN on all reports, letters, and forms, the UBC substantially reduces the possibility of a member's SSN getting into the wrong hands. 

     To protect member privacy, the UBC is implementing a system that primarily relies on a membership identification number created by the UBC's ULTRA computer system. This new UBC ID number will replace the SSN as a way of identifying members. 

     Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. Every Local and Council needs to take member privacy very seriously. We realize this is a major change and will require some adjustments. We have already changed our work card and steward cards to protect our members privacy.  

     All existing members have been assigned a new UBC ID number. The UBC ID starts with the letter U and is followed by 8 numbers ( U-XXXX-XXXX ). In March our Members will be receiving a letter from their local informing them about the new UBC ID program, along with a Membership ID card that our members should carry with them.

WE PROTECT OUR MEMBERS' WAGES AND BENEFITS.

WE ALSO NEED TO PROTECT THEIR PRIVACY.