What if you disagree with your union’s political agenda?

“The purpose of a union is to represent their members, not force them to fund extreme political agendas against their will,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. 

Cassidy’s bill would amend current law so workers have to “opt in” to paying for any union activities not related to collective bargaining.

Under a court ruling (Communications Workers v. Beck), union members have a right to opt out of their dues going to activities not related to collective bargaining — including organizing other workplaces, lobbying and political contributions.

In addition, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act allows employees not to pay dues or fees to a union based on their religious beliefs or practices. 

In June 2018, ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, the Supreme Court held these mandatory payments violated the First Amendment of the United States Constitution because they forced people to support the union’s political speech.