Key O'Malley labor bill being debated
UPDATE: The bill just passed the House, but with amendments, so it will still require more action in the Senate and possible negotiation if it is to become law.
The House of Delegates is now debating the "Fair Share Act," a key piece of Gov. O'Malley's agenda and a top priority of organized labor in the state. In a nutshell, state employee unions now represent members and non-members in their negotiations over wages, working conditions, benefits, etc., but the non-members don't pay dues. This bill would allow the unions to negotiate a requirement that people pay to support the costs of negotiations even if they aren't members of the union.
O'Malley and labor backers say it's only a matter of fairness. Opponents, chiefly in the GOP but also among some Democrats, say it amounts to an involuntary tax on state workers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, state workers are hurting ... and this legislation is nothing more than a $400 tax coming out of their pockets at the worst possible time," said Del. Chris Shank, the minority whip from Western Md.
But proponents say the bill simply enables the unions to negotiate for the fee.
"This is not fait accompli," said Del. Galen Claggett, a Frederick Democrat. "The most important thing is the opportunity for it to happen so the fees are fair and the unions are able to negotiate in the best possible way."
Del. Kumar Barve, the Majority leader from MoCo, said the non-dues-paying workers are like stowaways on a train who are getting a free ride.
"What an agency fee does, it essentially says to the people riding on the train, 'You need to buy a ticket,'" Barve said.
The other big upshot of this: If the bill passes, it's a major feather in O'Malley's cap going into re-election. The unions backed him big time in 2006, and I'm sure he'd like to have their support again in 2010.
Comments
This is ridiculous! Just because I am a state employee I have to pay a fee to the union, of which I am not a member?! The theory is that I somehow derive a benefit from their negotiations?! What have they done lately? No COLA last year, furlough days, and possibly an across the board salary reduction and MORE furlough days! This is infuriating!
Posted by: Dan | April 13, 2009 7:22 PM
This is just a means for OMalley to get more campaign donations, The union may back him in next election but 2/3 of state employees and their family member will not. There were no unions for years and we received COLA and adjustments, Suddenly only the union can get employees a COLA or increments or other pay increases. yeah and I was born yesterday
Posted by: Peter | April 13, 2009 7:41 PM
Welcome to the rules of the "private sector" Dan. Be thankful that the only way you will lose YOUR job is that your bosses totally screw it up.
Posted by: Fed Up | April 13, 2009 7:45 PM
"O'Malley and labor backers say it's only a matter of fairness."
"In a nutshell, state employee unions now represent members and non-members in their negotiations over wages, working conditions, benefits, etc."
The non-dues paying members cannot "opt out" of representation by the union.
They are by default and through no action of their own, represented by the union.
Is it "fair" that if you are FORCED by law to be represented by the union, that you should be FORCED against your will to pay dues?
That is not "fairness".
Posted by: Fed Up | April 13, 2009 8:44 PM
I've known several people who work for the state and who've tried to get help from the union only to be told "too bad, so sad, can't do anything to help."
Yet somehow it's "fair" for the union to get a cut of salaries from people who they won't help because of all the help they've given to them. Makes sense.
The thing that really chaps my hide is that this money grab is going to support the election and re-election campaigns of candidates and incumbents who I do not support. And still, somehow that's "fair."
After growing up here and moving away for 13 years I regret coming back to MD a little more every day.
Posted by: ddb | April 13, 2009 8:53 PM
Do you guys actually think the unions would endorse anyone else? Seriously, who are you kidding?
Posted by: whoa | April 13, 2009 8:59 PM
I think it is bad business for a union who can not represent me because of my classification to ask me to pay a fee. That's right my classifacation is not under AFSCME so if I understand correctly they can not represent me if something goes haywire, my classification falls under MPEC. If I wanted to be part of a union I would have joined but, I chose not to so please don't force me. If I am forced to with this fee than I will be looking at the next election canidates even harder than I am now.
Posted by: are you kidding me! | April 13, 2009 9:36 PM
What is this crap?
It is legal extortion pure and simple.
Fairness is not involved here.
When does it end in Annapolis?
Posted by: jay | April 13, 2009 9:43 PM
If you force me to join then I should be allowed to strike.
As far as I am concern the current union in MD is a joke.
This is unconstitutional and should be challenged in the courts.
My rights are being violated on this one.
Posted by: Christopher Firme | April 14, 2009 6:24 AM
Well, if this isn't the icing on the cake for State employees (some of us didn't join the Union because we were smart enough to know that they are useless). No COLA, no increment, maybe even another furlough, but hey now I have to fork over an additional $400 to join this useless union. It is a crime! This last minute legislation was just a gift to the union from MOM. All I can do is shake my head.
Posted by: Poor Pathetic State Worker | April 14, 2009 10:07 AM
Let just hope someone comes along that is able to defeat Govenor O' Malley this upcoming election next year.
I do not like this bill as well. Maybe it time to find better people to run for office and vote these guys out who have been there for life.
Time to rock the boat Marylanders. Let us show them how angry we are over the dumb decisions that has caused this problem.
Posted by: les | April 14, 2009 11:56 AM
After all the State has put us through and now this, I'm seriously thinking of voting Republican next election. The union doesn't come to me for feedback when going into negotiations so why should I pay. If I wanted to be a member, I would've joined. Seems like common sense to me...but wait, we're talking about politicians. Common sense doesn't live in Annapolis anymore. Way to get your endorsement O'Malley, good job.
Posted by: Future Jaded State Worker | April 14, 2009 5:50 PM
state workers can file an objection to a portion of the fees and by law the union is required to reduce the fees
use these letters at this website
http://www.nrtw.org/a_4_s_a.htm
spread it around
Posted by: Phyllis Riedel | April 15, 2009 1:49 PM