The Missouri House has given final passage to legislation that would limit labor unions’ ability to deduct dues and fees from the paychecks of public employees. The bill would require unions to get written permission every year to deduct dues from paychecks. It would only apply to public employees, although unions for first responders would be exempt. Unions would also have to get permission to use dues and fees for political purposes.
Republican Eric Burlison of Springfield handled the bill in the House.
“This is really about worker freedom, worker rights,” Burlison said. “They want the union to fight for them when it comes to their jobs, but they don’t necessarily like the way that the union is spending their money on political campaigns.”
Democrats argued that the bill would make it harder for labor unions to play a role in politics.
House Democrat Clem Smith of St. Louis County spoke against the bill just before the final vote, saying the measure is unnecessary.
“People do it on their own will,” Smith said. “They sign up on a form already to have additional money go to political action committees from labor unions, and that money is spent to support labor activities.”
The bill was passed two months ago by the State Senate, then traveled through three House committees before being passed Monday by the full House.
Twenty Republicans joined Democrats in voting “no,” making it a difficult challenge for GOP leaders to attempt an override if Governor Nixon vetoes the bill, which he is likely to do.