Florida Senate Moves to Safeguard Worker Rights

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Workers for Opportunity released the following statement from senior policy advisor Vincent Vernuccio today after the Florida Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee passed Senate Bill 256, which would change how union dues are collected for public employees:

Florida’s legislators took an important step toward realizing Governor Ron DeSantis’ vision of a freer workplace for Florida teachers and public employees.

Under Senate Bill 256, employees would be fully informed on the highly personal question of whether to join and pay a labor union. Employees would receive written notification that membership is optional, not a condition of employment. Should workers choose to join, they would be permitted to opt out at any time, without having to state their reason.

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.

Workers for Opportunity is a project of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. WFO’s goal is to advance the liberty of employees across the country and protect their First Amendment rights by ensuring they have a full and informed choice in union membership.

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