No Secret Deals on Union Service Fee

Governor Culver, the unions and some legislators are at it again.  They’ve tried for decades to eliminate Iowa's Right to Work law.  HF 2420 is the latest version on the unions’ wish list this year which creates a “Union Service Fee” that will drain Iowans’ paychecks even if you’re not a member of the union.  It will cost Iowans hundreds of dollars each year and pump over $5.3 million into union coffers. 

This is what the bill does: 

• Allows the unions to collect up to 65% of union dues from non-members
• Allows the union to collect additional 10% of unions dues from a non-member if the non-member uses the union mandatory grievance services
• Automatically deducts fees from non-member employees’ paychecks and direct deposits fees in the union account
• It applies to all executive branch employees and could be expanded to all teachers, policemen and other city and county employees
• There is no option for the employee to opt out of paying the mandated fees
• The unions can institute collections lawsuits against any employee refusing to pay the mandated fees

According to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency:

• If this bill is passed, the unions will be able to collect more than $5.3 million in new revenues from non-members

The fees mandated by this bill clearly conflict with

Iowa’s Right to Work Law

Iowa Code Chapter 731.4 UNION DUES AS PREREQUISITE TO EMPLOYMENT -- PROHIBITED.

“It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association, labor organization or corporation, or political subdivision, either directly or indirectly, or in any manner or by any means as a prerequisite to or a condition of employment to require any person to pay dues, charges, fees, contributions, fines or assessments to any labor union, labor association or labor organization.”