Scott Fitzgerald: “This amendment that I authored would prohibit labor organizations from using union dues and fees collected from workers…”

“This amendment that I authored would prohibit labor organizations from using union dues and fees collected from workers for non-collective bargaining purposes without the written consent of the employee. No employee should be forced to subsidize political positions they disagree with at the cost of employment. According to the Center for Union Facts, 43 percent of union households voted Republican, yet 86 percent of the union political support went to Democrat candidates in 2016. Clearly, there is a strong difference of opinion between union bosses and union members on the best pathway forward, but union bosses continue to spend their members' money with little accountability. Workers across Wisconsin and this country pay annual union dues to labor organizations in exchange for representation, not to line the pockets of the politicians. This amendment would stop unions from sending workers' hard-earned money into a black hole and ensure that the voices of workers are being heard. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. Employees nationwide deserve to have a say in how their money is spent.”