Florida House Committee Votes to Safeguard Worker Rights
Press Team|April 12, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Workers for Opportunity released the following statement from Senior Labor Policy Advisor Vincent Vernuccio today after the Florida House State Affairs Committee passed House Bill 1445, which would change how union dues are collected for public employees. The bill now moves to the House floor for a vote. Companion Senate Bill 256 has already passed the full Senate.
Today, Florida’s legislators took an important step toward realizing Governor Ron DeSantis’ vision of a freer workplace for Florida teachers and public employees.
Under House Bill 1445, employees would be fully informed on the highly personal question of whether to join and pay a labor union. Employees would receive written notification of their rights and would be able to exercise the right to opt out of a union at any time.
These measures put decision-making power where it belongs – firmly in the hands of Florida employees.
The legislation would also protect public employees’ hard-earned paychecks. Unions would be required to notify members annually of the cost of membership. Further, dues would no longer be deducted directly from employees’ paychecks, getting Florida taxpayers out of the business of union dues collection.
As an advocate for employee freedom in Florida and across the country, Workers for Opportunity commends Florida legislators for their leadership.