House approves ‘paycheck protection’ legislation

By Phil Cobb | February 15, 2017 |

Anthony Brown
Rep. Allen Andrews

Members of the Missouri House of Representatives continued our labor reform efforts this week as we passed legislation commonly referred to as “paycheck protection.” It is a change supporters say would allow union members to ensure their dues are not used for political purposes they oppose.

The bill is meant to give public employee union members the right to opt-in annually to have their dues automatically deducted from their paychecks. The current system requires a public employee to opt-out. If they fail to do so, their dues are automatically deducted.

Specifically, the bill would require annual written consent from a public employee before any amount could be withheld from the employee’s earnings for the payment of any portion of dues, agency shop fees, or other fees paid to a public labor organization. The legislation also would require public employee unions to obtain annual written consent in order to spend a portion of the fees on political activities.

In addition, the bill is designed to increase transparency by requiring public labor organizations to maintain financial records identical to those required by federal law. The reports must be made available to employees in a searchable electronic format.

Supporters of the change say it is a matter of protecting the rights of workers and giving them a say in where their money goes. They say unions sometimes support political causes not endorsed by their membership and the bill would give members the authority to prevent their fees from being used for these purposes.

Opponents say contributions already are voluntary as current law allows union members to opt-out of the automatic deductions. They believe the requirement is an unnecessary intrusion and another administrative burden placed on unions by state government.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The Missouri General Assembly approved a similar bill last year, but the legislation was vetoed by the previous governor. The current governor is expected to sign this year’s version of the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

As always, it is a privilege to represent you.

Representative Allen Andrews, District 1, Missouri State Capitol, Room 406 B, 201 West, Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101, Telephone: (573) 751-9465, [email protected]

Allen Andrews is the First District State Representative.