Sen. Martin introduces bill to eliminate union fair share fees

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Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) recently introduced legislation that would repeal statutes that allow some public sector unions in Pennsylvania to collect fees from employees even if they choose to decline union membership.

Senate Bill 371 would bring Pennsylvania state law in line with the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2018 in Janus v. AFSCME. The decision determined that requiring a non-consenting employee to pay these fees, known as “fair share fees,” violates the First Amendment rights of workers.

“In current practice, money is deducted from the paychecks of many public sector employees to support a union that may or may not reflect the political views of all of its members,” Martin said. “The Supreme Court rightfully ruled that employees should not be forced to provide financial support to a political organization that does not support their beliefs.”

The bill also aims to ensure all public sector employees understand their right to decline union membership. It would require public sector employers to regularly notify employees in writing that union membership is voluntary, consensual and not a condition of employment.

“Nothing in this bill adversely affects a union’s right to organize, to bargain, or to advocate, nor does it affect the rights of employees who wish to participate in and contribute to their union voluntarily,” Martin said. “It only ensures that employees understand their rights and that the financial support provided to unions is based on choice — not collected by force.”