Labor Reform
Government Unions:
At the end of the day, the collective bargaining practices of Government Unions offer them a monopoly on electing officials across the United States.
The State Government Leadership Foundation believes it is time for state and local governments to reestablish voter control over government by ending collective bargaining with Government Unions.
- Collective bargaining gives government unions a monopoly on labor. It prevents voters and taxpayers from hiring anyone on nonunion terms. This gives government unions enormous leverage over the public.
- In the private sector, competition keeps union demands in line. The government earns no profits—unions bargain for more tax dollars.
- Bargaining collectively in government means that voters do not have the final say on public policy. Instead, their elected representatives must negotiate spending and policy decisions with the unions.
- Government unions have used this leverage to raise government pay above private-sector pay and negotiate subsidies for their fundraising, thereby politicizing the civil service. Aside from the political parties, government unions are the top campaign spenders in America.
- State and local governments should restore voter control over government by ending collective bargaining with government unions.
Government unions are also, essentially, proponents of more government, more handouts, and greater spending. Taxpayers should not have to subsidize the wish lists of government unions.
- Unlike in the past, a majority of union members in the U.S. now work for the government. Their pay and benefits are funded by taxpayers.
- Unions are campaigning for higher taxes and more government spending in dozens of states across the country. Today’s union movement consists largely of government employees lobbying for more government.
- This transformation of unions is the result of competition, which has undercut private-sector unions like the United Auto Workers. But the government faces no competition, so government unions can negotiate higher pay and more benefits (and higher taxes to pay for it) without risking their jobs.
- In the government, payroll systems automatically deduct union dues from unionized employees’ paychecks. Taxpayers should not have to subsidize union campaigns, much less those that call for tax increases. Congress should end the automatic payroll deduction of union dues.
News & Articles
Right to Work and a Test for Republicans
Ohio's economy is improving, but the GOP-controlled legislature could do even more to spur growth.
Here in the Buckeye State,
we've made major economic strides over the past two and a half years. Facing an
$8 billion budget deficit in 2011 and unemployment over 9%, Gov. John Kasich
and the state legislature have since balanced the state budget without raising
taxes, instituted common-sense regulatory reform, and even eliminated Ohio's
estate tax. As a result, state-wide
unemployment is down to around 7% —and companies across the country are taking
notice.
According to Chief Executive Magazine's 2013 ranking of "Best and Worst States for Business," Ohio has improved more than any other state over the past year, jumping 13 places to 22nd in the nation from 35th in 2012. Still, a ranking of 22nd out of 50 states leaves plenty of room for improvement and begs the question: What do the top 10 states for business—Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, Virginia, South Carolina, Nevada and Georgia—have in common? All are right-to-work states. Ohio is not. Right-to-work laws, also known as workplace-freedom laws, make union membership a worker's choice rather than a mandatory condition of employment. Twenty four states—most recently, Ohio's neighbors Indiana and Michigan—have already enacted right-to-work laws. These 24 states have a significant competitive advantage when it comes to attracting jobs.
According to Chief Executive Magazine's 2013 ranking of "Best and Worst States for Business," Ohio has improved more than any other state over the past year, jumping 13 places to 22nd in the nation from 35th in 2012. Still, a ranking of 22nd out of 50 states leaves plenty of room for improvement and begs the question: What do the top 10 states for business—Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona, Virginia, South Carolina, Nevada and Georgia—have in common? All are right-to-work states. Ohio is not. Right-to-work laws, also known as workplace-freedom laws, make union membership a worker's choice rather than a mandatory condition of employment. Twenty four states—most recently, Ohio's neighbors Indiana and Michigan—have already enacted right-to-work laws. These 24 states have a significant competitive advantage when it comes to attracting jobs.
Right-to-work legislation, sponsored by Rep. Roegner of Hudson, gets committee hearing
COLUMBUS -- The Republican
sponsors of three measures aimed at banning mandatory union membership and dues
payments had their first -- and likely only -- committee hearing June 4. Reps. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson)
and Ron Maag (R-Lebanon) used their joint appearance before the Manufacturing
and Workforce Development Committee to tout the potential economic benefits of
right-to-work legislation. And Democrats on the panel used
the hearing to warn of the potential consequences of such law changes. Neither side appeared to sway
the other. Roegner and Maag introduced
separate bills last month, one focused on private sector employees and one
focused on their public sector counterparts.
The two also have offered a proposed constitutional amendment to be placed before voters on the issue. It's separate from another amendment being pursued by Tea Party and related groups, which are gathering petition signatures but likely will not have enough names to qualify for the fall ballot. On June 4, the two GOP lawmakers repeated what they and other proponents have said about right-to-work laws -- that such changes would make the state more competitive and attractive to businesses and help Ohio keep pace with two dozen other states, including bordering Indiana and Michigan, that have comparable laws already in place
The two also have offered a proposed constitutional amendment to be placed before voters on the issue. It's separate from another amendment being pursued by Tea Party and related groups, which are gathering petition signatures but likely will not have enough names to qualify for the fall ballot. On June 4, the two GOP lawmakers repeated what they and other proponents have said about right-to-work laws -- that such changes would make the state more competitive and attractive to businesses and help Ohio keep pace with two dozen other states, including bordering Indiana and Michigan, that have comparable laws already in place
Bill requiring consent to collect union dues goes to Nixon
JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Jay Nixon
must now decide whether to sign a bill requiring public employee unions to
obtain annual written permission from workers before taking dues out of
paychecks.
The House passed Senate Bill 29
Monday afternoon, legislation referred to as “Payecheck Protection” by
supporters — or “Paycheck Deception” by detractors. The bill sent to Nixon is
less sweeping than a bill championed by Springfield Republican Rep. Eric
Burlison earlier in the session.
The bill passed applies only to
public employees, such as state workers. Workers must also specify how much
money from their paycheck may be used for political purposes.
The bill passed narrowly,
85-69. Eighty-two votes are required to reach a majority, and nine
representatives did not vote. All Springfield representatives, except Democrat
Rep. Charlie Norr, voted yes.
Burlison handled the bill during floor debate. He described the bill as a Senate compromise. His original bill, House Bill 64, applied to all unionized workers. “I don’t believe this bill goes far enough. I think it should encompass literally every Missourian and protect everybody’s individual right to contribute and associate with any organization they so choose,” Rep. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, said, adding that the bill at least was progress.
Burlison handled the bill during floor debate. He described the bill as a Senate compromise. His original bill, House Bill 64, applied to all unionized workers. “I don’t believe this bill goes far enough. I think it should encompass literally every Missourian and protect everybody’s individual right to contribute and associate with any organization they so choose,” Rep. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, said, adding that the bill at least was progress.
Legislation would require consent for union member fee collections in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY — A measure that would significantly change how unions representing Missouri's public employees can collect and spend members' fees was sent to the governor Monday. Under the bill approved by the House, unions would need to get annual consent from members before they can automatically deduct fees from paychecks. It would also force unions to receive similar annual consent in order to spend fees on political activities, including campaign contributions.
The 85-69 vote in the Republican-led House was three greater than the minimum number needed to pass legislation and 24 votes short of a two-thirds majority that would be needed for a veto override, should Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon reject the bill. The Senate passed the same version of the bill earlier this year. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, said the bill would protect the rights of individual union members. Other supporters argued that giving members a choice to opt-in to automatic paycheck deductions allows them to play a more active role in the organization's political activities.
The 85-69 vote in the Republican-led House was three greater than the minimum number needed to pass legislation and 24 votes short of a two-thirds majority that would be needed for a veto override, should Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon reject the bill. The Senate passed the same version of the bill earlier this year. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, said the bill would protect the rights of individual union members. Other supporters argued that giving members a choice to opt-in to automatic paycheck deductions allows them to play a more active role in the organization's political activities.
GOP legislators plan right-to-work bills
Kasich, Republican leaders mum on support
Rekindling the raw emotion of Senate Bill 5 from 2011, two House Republicans plan to introduce bills today that would “eliminate compulsory unionism in Ohio.” If enacted, the two bills would make Ohio a right-to-work state in both the public and private sectors by prohibiting mandatory participation in a union or payment of union-related fees as a condition of employment. In November 2011, voters overwhelmingly rejected Republicans’ effort to sharply limit collective bargaining for public employees by overturning Senate Bill 5 — a referendum that might still have political ramifications for Gov. John Kasich.
Kasich has since refused to support any right-to-work efforts in Ohio — a bid to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot is proceeding slowly — and Democrats were quick to pounce on news of the new bills. But Kasich wouldn’t commit one way or the other on the latest GOP effort. “There have been 300 bills introduced so far this year,” said Rob Nichols, Kasich’s spokesman. “ We don’t weigh in on all of them, and it would be premature to do so on these.“The governor has a big agenda that’s moving through the legislature, and he continues to work on it.” State Reps. Ron Maag of Lebanon and Kristina Roegner of Hudson will hold a news conference today announcing their intentions.
Kasich has since refused to support any right-to-work efforts in Ohio — a bid to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot is proceeding slowly — and Democrats were quick to pounce on news of the new bills. But Kasich wouldn’t commit one way or the other on the latest GOP effort. “There have been 300 bills introduced so far this year,” said Rob Nichols, Kasich’s spokesman. “ We don’t weigh in on all of them, and it would be premature to do so on these.“The governor has a big agenda that’s moving through the legislature, and he continues to work on it.” State Reps. Ron Maag of Lebanon and Kristina Roegner of Hudson will hold a news conference today announcing their intentions.
Maine Senate delivers death blow to pair of ‘right-to-work’ bills
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Senate slammed the door on two bills that Republicans called “right-to-work” legislation with 21-13 votes Thursday. Both bills went to the full Legislature with divided “ought not to pass” recommendations from the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee, where they garnered support from minority Republicans and opposition from majority Democrats and independent Rep. James Campbell of Newfield.
Rep. Lawrence Lockman, R-Amherst, sponsored both bills. One, LD 786, sought to repeal the law allowing public employee unions to deduct the equivalent of union dues from the paychecks of public-sector workers who choose not to join the union. On Wednesday, House members rejected the bill 89-56. A second bill, LD 831, aimed to allow an employee to work at a unionized business without having to support the union financially as a condition of employment. The House rejected that bill Wednesday by a tally of 92-53. Debate and voting on both measures followed largely party lines, with Republicans supporting the measures and Democrats voicing opposition. Independent Sen. Richard Woodbury of Yarmouth and Republican Sens. Tom Saviello of Wilton and Brian Langley of Ellsworth voted with the 18 Democratic senators on hand for Thursday’s vote.
Rep. Lawrence Lockman, R-Amherst, sponsored both bills. One, LD 786, sought to repeal the law allowing public employee unions to deduct the equivalent of union dues from the paychecks of public-sector workers who choose not to join the union. On Wednesday, House members rejected the bill 89-56. A second bill, LD 831, aimed to allow an employee to work at a unionized business without having to support the union financially as a condition of employment. The House rejected that bill Wednesday by a tally of 92-53. Debate and voting on both measures followed largely party lines, with Republicans supporting the measures and Democrats voicing opposition. Independent Sen. Richard Woodbury of Yarmouth and Republican Sens. Tom Saviello of Wilton and Brian Langley of Ellsworth voted with the 18 Democratic senators on hand for Thursday’s vote.
Christie to present plan to reform N.J. worker's compensation system
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie tonight said he is poised to unveil a plan to reform the state worker's compensation system because neither workers nor employers are following the rules. “We’re going to be coming up with a package of proposals that’s going to work both sides of that,” Christie told a caller on his monthly NJ 101.5 FM radio show tonight.
“The employers who may not be stepping up and meeting their obligations and also the employees who are committing fraud on the worker’s comp system," he said. The Republican governor said his office and the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development have been working to address problems in the system.
A caller who identified himself as David from Forked River asked Christie: “Is there a way to change the way the workers comp guidelines are if an employer does not provide treatment and benefits they way they’re supposed to under law?” Christie advised him to look for reform proposals soon.
“The employers who may not be stepping up and meeting their obligations and also the employees who are committing fraud on the worker’s comp system," he said. The Republican governor said his office and the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development have been working to address problems in the system.
A caller who identified himself as David from Forked River asked Christie: “Is there a way to change the way the workers comp guidelines are if an employer does not provide treatment and benefits they way they’re supposed to under law?” Christie advised him to look for reform proposals soon.
Christie softens on teachers, blames unions and not individuals
Governor Christie continued to temper his once fiery take on teachers unions at a town hall-style event in Somerset County today. An adjunct professor at Raritan Valley Community College, which hosted the event, asked Christie why he blames teachers for state fiscal problems. “I’m wondering when the rhetoric changed that teachers are part of the problem and not part of the solution,” said the professor, Alexa Offenhauer, who teaches English.
Christie – who, shortly after taking office, said the state’s largest teachers union was run by selfish “thugs” – said he does not have anything against individual teachers. “I don’t think teachers are the problem. I think unions are the problem,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd. “There is an extraordinary divide in my experience between the attitude of the members and the attitude of many people in leadership of these unions,” he added later.
Christie – who, shortly after taking office, said the state’s largest teachers union was run by selfish “thugs” – said he does not have anything against individual teachers. “I don’t think teachers are the problem. I think unions are the problem,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd. “There is an extraordinary divide in my experience between the attitude of the members and the attitude of many people in leadership of these unions,” he added later.
Missouri lawmakers advance ‘right to work’ legislation
On Wednesday, a panel in the Missouri legislature voted 7-3 to adopt a law requiring public employee unions to obtain written consent from state workers before they can deduct dues from their paychecks. Current state labor law allows the unions to automatically the dues money from workers, even those who don’t want to belong to the union.
The statehouse has made several stabs at adopting a version of a “right to work” law. Last month, the state senate approved a broader bill that extends the require to private sector unions as well. Gov. Jay Dixon opposes right-to-work and has twice vetoed such bills in the past. But the advocates are pushing a version that could skip the governor and instead decide the matter through a November voter referendum. Should it pass, Missouri would become the 25th state to adopt so-called “right to work” laws. Michigan became the 24th state earlier this year. Unions have been protesting the move, dubbing such legislation “paycheck deception“.
The statehouse has made several stabs at adopting a version of a “right to work” law. Last month, the state senate approved a broader bill that extends the require to private sector unions as well. Gov. Jay Dixon opposes right-to-work and has twice vetoed such bills in the past. But the advocates are pushing a version that could skip the governor and instead decide the matter through a November voter referendum. Should it pass, Missouri would become the 25th state to adopt so-called “right to work” laws. Michigan became the 24th state earlier this year. Unions have been protesting the move, dubbing such legislation “paycheck deception“.
Schuette seeks to dismiss federal right-to-work lawsuit
LANSING — Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette says “plain language” and “50 years of case law” are on his side in asking a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit that challenges one of Michigan’s new right-to-work laws in U.S. District Court. The lawsuit was filed in February by a coalition of state and national labor unions, who claim the law governing private-sector workers violates the U.S. Constitution and the National Labor Relations Act. The unions argue that federal labor law trumps Michigan’s law, but Schuette disagrees. Twenty-three other states have right-to-work laws, which have held up in court.
In court documents filed late Wednesday, Schuette said the NLRA includes a clause that protects states’ ability to regulate compulsory union membership, and through that provision, the NLRA “expressly permits” right-to-work laws. Right-to-work laws ban mandatory union dues as a condition of employment. He also cited various court decisions that say the NLRA doesn’t preclude states from regulating union security clauses in labor agreements. “Michigan’s law is neither unique or novel,” Schuette said in court documents. “Michigan joins the multitude of states that use the same or similar language in their laws.”
In court documents filed late Wednesday, Schuette said the NLRA includes a clause that protects states’ ability to regulate compulsory union membership, and through that provision, the NLRA “expressly permits” right-to-work laws. Right-to-work laws ban mandatory union dues as a condition of employment. He also cited various court decisions that say the NLRA doesn’t preclude states from regulating union security clauses in labor agreements. “Michigan’s law is neither unique or novel,” Schuette said in court documents. “Michigan joins the multitude of states that use the same or similar language in their laws.”
Education unions control state policy
Earlier this year, Kanawha County School Superintendent Ron Duerring testified before the Senate Education Committee that 200 to 300 of the county's 2,000 teachers abuse paid leave. This helps drive the cost of substitutes to $4.6 million a year - $23 million over five years. That's money that cannot be spent for other purposes. Duerring stressed that most Kanawha County teachers do not "burn" all 15 paid leave days just because they can. But those who do drive up costs and disrupt the continuity of students' education. He said changing when leave time is credited - to 1.5 days per month instead of 15 days at the beginning of the year - could cut substitute costs in half.
How much money would that save statewide? Vice Chairman Erik Wells, D-Kanawha, thought Duerring's suggestion made sense and sponsored legislation to that effect. Other state employees accrue paid leave a month at a time. Why not teachers? But Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, branded this commonsense suggestion "another slap in the face" to teachers. And on Thursday, members of the Senate Education Committee killed the bill. Once again, legislators allowed teachers unions to control state policy. How to look weak without trying.
How much money would that save statewide? Vice Chairman Erik Wells, D-Kanawha, thought Duerring's suggestion made sense and sponsored legislation to that effect. Other state employees accrue paid leave a month at a time. Why not teachers? But Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, branded this commonsense suggestion "another slap in the face" to teachers. And on Thursday, members of the Senate Education Committee killed the bill. Once again, legislators allowed teachers unions to control state policy. How to look weak without trying.
Michigan GOP explores further limits on unions
With right to work in place, state GOP explores other restrictions
Lansing — Arguments against Michigan's 5-day-old right-to-work law are prompting conservative activists and Republican authors of the historic legislation to consider other ways to reduce the power of public-sector unions. The law that took effect Thursday makes financial support of a labor union optional in unionized workplaces. Democratic opponents say it will lead to "free riders" or "freeloaders" who enjoy the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement because most labor contracts have exclusive representation clauses requiring the union represent all employees, whether or not they pay dues.
To counter this argument, some conservative activists are proposing an offspring of the right-to-work legislation. They are urging Republican lawmakers to ban exclusivity clauses for public-sector unions — the state's recognition that a union is the sole representative in bargaining for a particular group of workers. "It does away with one of the talking points the opposition will use in the ballot campaign leading up to November 2014, because we're all certain that will happen," said conservative activist Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan.
To counter this argument, some conservative activists are proposing an offspring of the right-to-work legislation. They are urging Republican lawmakers to ban exclusivity clauses for public-sector unions — the state's recognition that a union is the sole representative in bargaining for a particular group of workers. "It does away with one of the talking points the opposition will use in the ballot campaign leading up to November 2014, because we're all certain that will happen," said conservative activist Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan.
Arizona bill would stop cities from imposing employee benefit laws on companies
Seeing what's happened elsewhere, the restaurant industry has convinced state lawmakers to prevent cities and counties from telling them how much they have to pay their workers. On a voice vote, the Senate on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to legislation that would make it illegal for any Arizona city to mandate any sort of employee benefits for any company that operates within its limits. That includes not only compensation but also paid leave, allowable absences, meal breaks and even rest periods.
The House already has approved HB 2280. That means it requires only a final Senate roll-call vote before going to Gov. Jan Brewer. Sherry Gillespie, lobbyist for the Arizona Restaurant Association, said there is no real problem here - yet. But she said members of her organization are mindful of what is occurring elsewhere. "We're fortunate to get out in front of it,'' she said.
The House already has approved HB 2280. That means it requires only a final Senate roll-call vote before going to Gov. Jan Brewer. Sherry Gillespie, lobbyist for the Arizona Restaurant Association, said there is no real problem here - yet. But she said members of her organization are mindful of what is occurring elsewhere. "We're fortunate to get out in front of it,'' she said.
Mo. Senate passes union paycheck deduction bill
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Senate has approved legislation requiring public employee unions to seek annual consent to automatically deduct fees from members' paychecks. The bill also would require the unions to seek consent for spending members' fees on political contributions.
Public safety unions representing first responders would be exempt and not have to seek consent from members under the Senate bill. The Senate voted 24-10 along party lines Thursday to send the measure to the House. Republicans supported the bill, while Democrats voted against it. The House on Wednesday passed a similar measure that would only require consent to spend dues on political contributions.
Public safety unions representing first responders would be exempt and not have to seek consent from members under the Senate bill. The Senate voted 24-10 along party lines Thursday to send the measure to the House. Republicans supported the bill, while Democrats voted against it. The House on Wednesday passed a similar measure that would only require consent to spend dues on political contributions.
Kansas Senate debating union paycheck deductions
TOPEKA — A bill prohibiting public employee unions in Kansas from deducting money from members’ paychecks to help finance political activities is advancing in the Legislature. The Senate was scheduled to debate the measure Thursday. The GOP-dominated chamber is expected to pass it.
Supporters of the bill say they want to prevent public employee unions from funneling money deducted from members’ paychecks to candidates or causes opposed by those members. They also contend that state and local government agencies processing payrolls shouldn’t be entangled in such transactions. Opponents argue there’s no need for the legislation because union members must agree to any deductions. Public employee unions say the measure is meant to hurt their fundraising and is another politically motivated attempt by many Republicans to undermine groups that overwhelmingly support Democrats.
Supporters of the bill say they want to prevent public employee unions from funneling money deducted from members’ paychecks to candidates or causes opposed by those members. They also contend that state and local government agencies processing payrolls shouldn’t be entangled in such transactions. Opponents argue there’s no need for the legislation because union members must agree to any deductions. Public employee unions say the measure is meant to hurt their fundraising and is another politically motivated attempt by many Republicans to undermine groups that overwhelmingly support Democrats.
Time to Make Union Representation Voluntary
Time to Make Union Representation Voluntary
James Sherk - The Heritage Foundation
Edward Savarese learned the hard way how inefficiently the government operates. The rookie 5th grade teacher in Clark County, Nevada excelled in the classroom. He won recognition as one of his district’s “New Teachers of the Year.” But a month later the School Board laid him off because he lacked seniority.
Unlike the private sector, many state and local governments base layoffs on seniority. Government raises typically have little to do with performance. Pension costs have driven many cities into bankruptcy. These policies hurt taxpayers, communities, and diligent workers. Poor union contracts drive much of this dysfunction.
Alabama Senate passes right-to-work legislation
Alabama is already considered a right to work state, but Republicans in the Legislature want to reinforce that by adding the language to the state Constitution. The Senate approved the legislation 21-10 along partisan lines with Republicans voting for it on Thursday. If also approved by the House of Representatives and voters, the Constitution would state that workers could not be forced to join labor unions or similar organizations as a condition of their employment and could not be forced to pay dues or fees to those organizations.
While most people realize Alabama is friendly to business, Sen. Gerald Dial said the amendment would send a message to businesses throughout the nation and throughout the world “that Alabama is serious about business.” The Alabama AFL-CIO opposes the proposal.
While most people realize Alabama is friendly to business, Sen. Gerald Dial said the amendment would send a message to businesses throughout the nation and throughout the world “that Alabama is serious about business.” The Alabama AFL-CIO opposes the proposal.
Kansas casts eye on teachers unions
TOPEKA — New Jersey’s governor has branded them “political thugs.” A former federal education official has likened them to terrorists. Less vilified in Kansas than some other parts of the country, those teachers unions still find their clout under attack in the Legislature.
The battle over teachers unions has marched its way across the country. Ohio. Michigan. Wisconsin. Idaho. And now it’s in Kansas, greeted by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and his conservative allies in the Legislature. Lawmakers are moving to undercut the tenuous power of teachers unions by barring them from using voluntary paycheck deductions for politics. And they’re going after teachers’ ability to bargain collectively on key issues — hoping to give cash-strapped school districts new flexibility and leverage in contract talks.
The battle over teachers unions has marched its way across the country. Ohio. Michigan. Wisconsin. Idaho. And now it’s in Kansas, greeted by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and his conservative allies in the Legislature. Lawmakers are moving to undercut the tenuous power of teachers unions by barring them from using voluntary paycheck deductions for politics. And they’re going after teachers’ ability to bargain collectively on key issues — hoping to give cash-strapped school districts new flexibility and leverage in contract talks.
Senate votes 34-0 for open teacher contract talks
A bill mandating open teacher contract talks cleared the Senate unanimously, reflecting a rare point of agreement between the education union and school boards on a remnant of the failed "Students Come First" overhaul. Friday's vote was 34-0, sending the proposal to make collective bargaining talks public and require school board officials to post notices of upcoming negotiation sessions to the House.
The bill would also make all meeting minutes and contract offers subject to state open records laws. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's Students Come First law died on Nov. 6 at the polls. But foes and supporters alike of that overhaul said this measure, included in that package, should be preserved. The Idaho Education Association union supported the legislation, as did the Idaho School Boards Association.
New York Teachers’ Union Challenges State’s Tax Cap
The New York State teachers’ union filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging the constitutionality of the state’s cap on annual increases in local property taxes, one of the signature measures of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s time in office. The lawsuit by the union, New York State United Teachers, asserts that the tax cap interferes with local control of schools, and that a requirement that 60 percent of voters support any override of the limit dilutes the voting power of those who favor exceeding the cap.
The tax cap, which Mr. Cuomo persuaded the Legislature to approve in 2011, limits annual increases in local property taxes to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The vast majority of school districts – 642 of 678, or about 95 percent – stayed within the tax cap last year, according to Mr. Cuomo’s office. (The cap does not affect New York City.) The teachers’ union, which filed its lawsuit in State Supreme Court in Albany, has been mulling a legal challenge ever since it failed to persuade lawmakers to reject Mr. Cuomo’s proposal.
The tax cap, which Mr. Cuomo persuaded the Legislature to approve in 2011, limits annual increases in local property taxes to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The vast majority of school districts – 642 of 678, or about 95 percent – stayed within the tax cap last year, according to Mr. Cuomo’s office. (The cap does not affect New York City.) The teachers’ union, which filed its lawsuit in State Supreme Court in Albany, has been mulling a legal challenge ever since it failed to persuade lawmakers to reject Mr. Cuomo’s proposal.
Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper threatens veto of firefighter unions bill in present form
Gov. John Hickenlooper on Tuesday said he cannot support the current version of a bill that would make it easier to unionize firefighters in Colorado, an implicit veto threat to leaders of his own party in the legislature. In a letter to Senate President John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said he could not support in Senate Bill 25 in its current form, which would allow firefighters in even the smallest locales to unionize regardless of whether their voters or local governing boards had rejected the idea previously.
Gov. Bill Ritter, Hickenlooper's Democratic predecessor, vetoed a nearly identical bill in 2009, a move that cost him points with labor groups and his own party. "As a former mayor, I respect the positive good that can result from collective bargaining," Hickenlooper said in the letter to Democratic leaders. "In Denver, we successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements with the firefighters' union. In those negotiations, we operated with the mutual understanding that we must take into consideration the shared interests of making responsible use of taxpayer funds, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the public and ensuring the safety of the firefighters themselves.
Gov. Bill Ritter, Hickenlooper's Democratic predecessor, vetoed a nearly identical bill in 2009, a move that cost him points with labor groups and his own party. "As a former mayor, I respect the positive good that can result from collective bargaining," Hickenlooper said in the letter to Democratic leaders. "In Denver, we successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements with the firefighters' union. In those negotiations, we operated with the mutual understanding that we must take into consideration the shared interests of making responsible use of taxpayer funds, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the public and ensuring the safety of the firefighters themselves.
Labor unions file federal suit challenging Michigan's right-to-work legislation
A group of labor unions filed suit in federal court Monday, challenging one of the state’s newly passed right-to-work laws. The Michigan AFL-CIO and the Building and Trades Council say the law that affects private sector employees is a violation of the U.S. Constitution because those unions are covered by federal, not state law.
“In their haste to enact right to work, the Legislature overreached,” said Andrew Nickelhoff, general counsel for the Michigan AFL-CIO. “This only deals with the act that affect private sector employees because they’re covered under federal labor law.” The lawsuit names the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Steve Arwood, the director of the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy as defendants.
“In their haste to enact right to work, the Legislature overreached,” said Andrew Nickelhoff, general counsel for the Michigan AFL-CIO. “This only deals with the act that affect private sector employees because they’re covered under federal labor law.” The lawsuit names the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Steve Arwood, the director of the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy as defendants.
EDITORIAL: Bring up right to work
It’s time to reject the federal preference for forced unionizing
Tired of lagging economic growth, wasteful government spending and high unemployment, states in the industrial Midwest have decided to break the iron triangle between Big Labor bosses, union political spending and the politicians who do their bidding. Now it’s time for Washington to do the same. Governors in Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan put their political careers on the line in order to reform a broken system. Facing a $3.8 billion deficit, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and the state legislature placed limits on collective bargaining, enacted the requirement that a union be recertified each year by a majority of its members and ended the use of automatic payroll deduction for union dues. The state now enjoys a surplus.
Taking reform one much-needed step further, Indiana and Michigan have enacted right-to-work laws. A Missouri House committee began consideration of a bill that would make the state the 25th in the nation to guarantee the right of employees to decide whether or not to join or financially support a union, though the measure faces the opposition of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. These laws basically ensure no person can be compelled as a condition of employment to join or pay dues to a labor union.
Taking reform one much-needed step further, Indiana and Michigan have enacted right-to-work laws. A Missouri House committee began consideration of a bill that would make the state the 25th in the nation to guarantee the right of employees to decide whether or not to join or financially support a union, though the measure faces the opposition of Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. These laws basically ensure no person can be compelled as a condition of employment to join or pay dues to a labor union.
Mo. House committee debates 'right to work' bill
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. • A standing-room-only crowd spilled into Capitol hallways Wednesday to watch a Missouri House committee hearing on a bill that would bar payment of union dues as a condition of employment and make Missouri the nation's 25th "right-to-work" state. Union members sat silently as the House Workforce Development and Workplace Safety Committee debated the issue that attracted attention from legislative leaders of both parties.
Minority Leader Jake Hummel, an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, participated in the hearing. Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder watched the testimony, along with House Speaker Tim Jones, who is a co-sponsor of the bill but said in December it would be hard to pass right-to-work legislation without support from the governor's office.
Minority Leader Jake Hummel, an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, participated in the hearing. Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder watched the testimony, along with House Speaker Tim Jones, who is a co-sponsor of the bill but said in December it would be hard to pass right-to-work legislation without support from the governor's office.
Statehouse Live: Labor groups suffer blow in Kansas House
Topeka — The Kansas National Education Association and public employee unions on Thursday suffered a blow as the House approved a bill that both sides agreed would hurt the labor groups. House Bill 2023 was approved, 68-56, and sent to the Senate for consideration. Only Republicans supported the measure, while all 33 Democrats and 23 Republicans voted against it.
Rep. John Wilson, D-Lawrence, voted against the bill, saying the measure was an “overtly political attack to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.” But Rep. Reid Petty, R-Liberal, described the bill as “pro teacher.” According to Petty, “It gives teachers a right to decide where their money is spent.”
Rep. John Wilson, D-Lawrence, voted against the bill, saying the measure was an “overtly political attack to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.” But Rep. Reid Petty, R-Liberal, described the bill as “pro teacher.” According to Petty, “It gives teachers a right to decide where their money is spent.”