JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House and Senate this week worked together to provide veto-proof support to “paycheck protection” legislation sponsored by state Rep. Holly Rehder. By a vote of 109-49, the House approved Rehder’s bill (HB 1891) that is meant to give public employee union members the freedom to opt-in annually if they choose to participate in their union. The Senate previously approved the bill by a vote of 23-7.
“Unions were created to provide a voice for workers, and this legislation simply ensures workers can make their own voices heard if they feel their union isn’t adequately representing their interests. By moving to an opt-in process, we take a stronger, more pro-worker approach that makes absolutely certain these union members have a say in how and where their hard-earned dollars are spent,” said Rehder, R-Sikeston.
Rehder’s “paycheck protection” legislation would require annual written consent from a public employee before any amount could be withheld from the earnings of the employee for the payment of any portion of dues, agency shop fees, or other fees paid to a public labor organization. The legislation also would require public employee unions to obtain annual written consent in order to spend a portion of the fees on political activities.
The legislation also provides workers with a greater level of transparency for where their dues are going. It requires public sector unions to follow the same financial disclosure guidelines currently required of private sector unions by the federal government.
“The transparency component is absolutely vital as it allows union members to know how their dues are being spent,” added Rehder. “Public sector unions should have the same level as transparency to their members as private sector unions.”
“I want to thank Rep. Rehder and the members of the Republican caucus for their hard work and support on this issue that strengthens the rights of public employees here in Missouri,” said House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff. “We have this historic, unprecedented support for this pro-worker bill because we believe it is the right thing to do for Missouri workers.”
Rehder’s legislation now moves to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
