Florida governor Ron DeSantis is not playing around when it comes to making and keeping Florida free. His latest effort is geared toward empowering teachers in the state who do not wish to be in a union.
In support of the Sunshine State’s right to work status, the Florida legislature has passed a bill removing the automatic deductions of union dues/fees from paychecks. Those teachers who wish to be in a union and continue to pay their union fees/dues will be able to do so, of course.
DeSantis outlined his vision for the bill back in January.
The bill is now reportedly on its way to DeSantis’ desk for his signature.
The Florida Legislature passed a bill to prohibit some unions from directly withdrawing funds from public employee paychecks.It is on the way to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature.Instead, a public employee, such as a teacher, would need to opt into a union and send payments. The legislation does not apply to law enforcement officers, correctional officers and firefighters.The House gave final approval to the bill 72-44 Wednesday after the Senate approved it 23-17 March 29. Some Republicans from both chambers voted against the DeSantis-backed proposal.Under this bill, beginning July 1, a public employee who desires to join a union must sign a membership authorization form that contains an acknowledgement that Florida is a “right to work” state.The form would outline that union membership and payment of union dues is not required as a condition of employment.
Unions would be required to notify members every year of their membership costs and union members would not be allowed to distribute union literature at work. Additionally, union officials would be prohibited from performing union business during their working hours at their taxpayer-funded jobs.The bill would also require unions to represent at least 60 percent of the employees eligible for representation. Unions that fail to meet the threshold would be decertified and would have to petition the Public Employees Relation Commission (PERC) for recertification.Unions would also be required to submit audited financial reports to the state yearly and to include an annual audited financial statement in its registration renewal application. The bill would also lay out salary restrictions that would ensure that no union leader could be paid more than the union’s highest-paid member.
Needless to say, people have thoughts.
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