A measure prohibiting schools, local and state government officials from automatically collecting union dues from employees squeaked by the Senate Community Affairs Committee Monday morning on a 5-4 vote after a show of force from law enforcement and firefighter union representatives who said the measure (SB 830) was a thinly veiled attempt to bust the unions.
Sponsored by Senator John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, the bill would also require that all employees specifically authorize that their dues can be used for political purposes.
“This will simply empower labor union members some input in how their dues will be spent,” Thrasher said.
Union supporters countered that union membership is voluntary in Florida and employees receive most of the benefits to union representation regardless of whether they join up or not.
“This is nothing but an attempt to eradicate union activity,” said Jeff McAdams, a Gainesville police officer and president of the local Fraternal Order of Police
A staff analysis accompanying the bill points to potential constitutional issues, specifically that it may thrust the state unlawfully into the middle of contract obligations.
The bill has two more committee stops scheduled before reaching the floor.
The News Service of Florida
