Unions see threat in dues proposal
…
Democrats still oppose the measure, and the state AFL-CIO has identified the fight as its top priority.
“I just don’t know how anyone can say, ‘No, I should be able to get that benefit you’re paying for, but I shouldn’t have to pay for any of it,’ ” said state Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, who serves on the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee.
Under current Maine law, new employees at unionized workplaces do not have to join the unions. But in most cases, negotiated contracts include clauses that require nonunion workers to contribute to the cost of union representation. That’s because under federal law, unions are required to represent everyone in the workplace, whether or not they are members.
…
