When Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, unveiled his union dues bill last week, it was greeted with a protest from union members outside the committee hearing.
On Monday, some of staunchest opposition came from the dais, including from some Republicans, as the bill narrowly made it out of the Senate Community Affairs Committee in a 5-4 vote.
Senate Bill 830 would prevent state and local governments from automatically deducting payments or assessments from members of government-worker unions.
Sens. Jim Norman, R-Tampa, and Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, joined Democratic Sens. Jeremy Ring of Margate and Tony Hill of Jacksonville in voting against the bill, citing concerns over government meddling in union affairs and the relatively weak status of unions in Florida compared to other states.
We are a right-to-work state, and in a right-to-work state, this bill is not necessary, said Dockery.
Norman noted that union money funded his political opposition in the latest election, but couldnt abide government interference in union business.
I cant be involved with dealing in government sticking our hand in other peoples money, Norman said.
Members of police unions throughout Florida were also on hand to voice the traditional opposition to the bill.
This is nothing more than a nefarious attempt to eliminate the rights of workers, said Jeff McAdams, president of the Gainesville chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, which has 100 members.
Thrashers bill also prevents government-worker unions from spending union dues for political purposes without explicit, annual authorization from a member. Opponents claimed the bill is purely political.
When does the election end and the governing begin? Hill asked rhetorically.
Thrasher explained that his bill merely allows for more choices by government workers, and gives them a greater say in how their union spends money.
Its not about targeting, its not about eradicating or anything like that. There is nothing in this bill that prohibits an individual from joining a union. I frankly dont understand some of the concerns, Thrasher said.
Union members complained that the bill would take money away from the charitable organizations to which they donate -- an argument that did not move Thrasher but did sway Norman.
He noted that charities are going to become vitally important as the Legislature attempts to save money on Medicaid reforms by offering less services.
This is going to be a very tough session, Norman said, adding, Id like to know the loss of United Way if this bill passes.
Others questioned whether union members are clamoring for more choice and greater input in the spending of union money.
Ive been up here for around six years and Ive never heard a compliant about this issue once, Ring said.
Thrasher countered that the complaints hes hearing are from taxpayers.
They think their resources ought not to be used for political agendas, he said.
Although SB 830 made it through the committee Monday, it has anything but a smooth ride to the Senate floor. Its next stop is the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee which has four Democratic members, including Ring, who chairs the committee, and Norman.
Reach Gray Rohrer at grohrer@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
