Paycheck protection approved

Rep. Allen Andrews

The House gave approval this week to legislation meant to give workers the authority to annually opt-in rather than opt-out of paycheck deductions for union fees.

Often referred to as “paycheck protection” legislation, the bill would require annual written consent from a public employee before any amount could be withheld from the earnings of the employee 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. Unions for first responders, such as police and firefighters, would be exempted from the requirements of the bill.

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 and requiring this annual authorization will increase costs to public employers.

They believe the authorization requirement is an unnecessary intrusion into the inner workings of a private organization and another administrative burden placed on unions by state government.

The General Assembly approved similar legislation two years ago but saw the bill vetoed by the governor.

This year’s version of the legislation received 110 votes in the House, which is one more than needed to override a potential veto by the governor.