Paycheck deception initiatives resurface

When Chris Runge, executive director of the FPE/AFT-affiliated North Dakota Public Employees Association (NDPEA), heard that a "paycheck protection" measure was on the legislative fast track, she did a little fast tracking of her own. She mobilized NDPEA members to action, and joined forces with the state AFL-CIO and other organizations to lobby against it. Such was the momentum required to defeat HR 1337, which would have required organizations that deduct dues from members' paychecks to secure a member's consent before allocating dues for political activities.

Across the nation, measures similar to HR 1337 have cropped up, highlighting the anti-union sentiment among pockets of lawmakers threatened by the political and legislative initiatives undertaken by unions that have led to labor's mobilization and turnout in U.S. elections.

At press time, paycheck protection legislation was pending in Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota and Utah. In Florida, where three of the AFT's five constituency groups have a presence, two paycheck protection assaults are under way. Specifically, Gov. Jeb Bush added paycheck protection language to the union contract for state employees, which is being negotiated; and Republicans in the legislature are expected to introduce a bill this session that would target all unions representing state workers. The AFL-CIO also anticipates measures will be introduced in Michigan and Oklahoma, and ballot initiatives are expected in California, Oregon and Washington.

Paycheck protection initiatives vary, ranging from requiring organizations that deduct dues from paychecks to get written permission before spending money on political activities to outwardly banning organizational use of any payroll deduction for political activities.

The Montana measure, LC 1524, which would affect employees represented by the FPE/AFT-affiliated Montana Education Association/

Montana Federation of Teachers, would require unions to get annual written authorization before "withholding or diverting" dues for political purposes. Under that proposal, money is considered to be used for political activity if any portion of the funds "is contributed to or commingled with funds" used for supporting or opposing ballot measures, candidates or political action committees.

Unions refer to paycheck protection initiatives as "paycheck deception" measures because they attempt to stymie the collective voice of America's workers in the political process.

In related news, federal lawmakers are considering the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill. The union expects Republicans to seek a paycheck deception amendment to that bill, which would require unions to get written permission from members to use their dues for political purposes.