Thousands of state workers forced to pay union fees

baltimoresun.com ^ | Jul 5 2011 | Julie Bykowicz

[NoLibZone]

Maryland's largest state employee union is set to begin collecting fees from nonmembers this month — a move that sets up the Maryland chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for what could be a $4.7 million gain over the fiscal year.

AFSCME sees the additional money as a matter of fairness, since the union negotiates contracts with the state on behalf of all its bargaining members, though fewer than half pay dues. Union officials say the extra money will allow them to improve services.

But some of the 12,500 state workers who will find as much as a $389 bite out of their annual pay criticize the new fees.

"People like me, I don't have a lot of faith in unions," said Michael White, who works for the Motor Vehicle Administration in Glen Burnie.

The fees — which will also be collected by smaller unions such as the American Federation of Teachers — are allowed under The Fair Share Act, which the state legislature passed in 2009 largely on a party-line vote. Gov. Martin O'Malley, a pro-labor Democrat who benefited from strong union support in his re-election bid last year, had pushed the measure.

AFSCME Maryland represents 21,000 workers in collective bargaining with the state, but only 8,000 are dues-paying members. Another 4,000 workers not represented by AFSCME in contract negotiations pay dues to the union anyway, to tap benefits such as grievance representation.

"It's very exciting," said Sue Esty, AFSCME Maryland's assistant director. She has been with the organization for two decades. "We've always had a problem providing adequate service to our members because we have been so underfunded. This empowers employees."

[Sgt_Schultze]

It looks like the majority are NOT members of the union. Can’t there be a motion to de-certify the union and then have the majority decide on weather they require representation?

[Safetgiver]

Surely this is unconstitutional, right?..No, but one thing the state can do is tell the Union, We will not collect your dues from your members unless you pay us $100.00 per employee per paycheck to do so. Otherwise, have the employees send in their dues. What a shit storm THAT would create!

[Sgt_Schultze]

weather = whether

[longtermmemmory]

what if each individual forms a “union of one”?

[lowbridge]

Union officials say the extra money will allow them to improve services.

For Union officials.

Longer limousines. Higher salaries. More paid vacations in exotic locales. Etc.

[wac3rd]

“Union officials say the extra money will allow them to improve services.”

(In my best Tony Soprano voice)

[max americana]

That’s why I plan to head to WI instead of MN. The lunacy of these commie libs, to force someone to pay for a ‘service’...

Obamacare anyone?

[rhema]

About 325 employees also have objected on religious grounds. By law, they'll have to provide documentation showing that they make charitable donations in an amount equal to union dues.

Union Dues and Religions Do Nots

In the Foundation's booklet Union Dues and Religious Do Nots, Foundation Staff Attorney and Director of the Freedom of Conscience Project Bruce N. Cameron gives employees a guide to their legal rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, focusing on how to become a "religious objector" to union dues.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

A union tax on non-members?

Maryland “Freak State” PING!