Legislature sends teachers union automatic pay deduction bill to DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Legislature passed a bill to prohibit some unions from directly withdrawing funds from public employee paychecks.

It is on the way to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature.

Instead, a public employee, such as a teacher, would need to opt into a union and send payments. The legislation does not apply to law enforcement officers, correctional officers and firefighters.

The House gave final approval to the bill 72-44 Wednesday after the Senate approved it 23-17 March 29. Some Republicans from both chambers voted against the DeSantis-backed proposal.

Under this bill, beginning July 1, a public employee who desires to join a union must sign a membership authorization form that contains an acknowledgement that Florida is a “right to work” state.

The form would outline that union membership and payment of union dues is not required as a condition of employment.

The union is required to revoke an employee’s membership upon receipt of the employee’s written request at any time. The Senate approved an amendment that requires that information about the five highest compensated officer employees of the union be presented to the member up front.

One of the more controversial parts of the bill deals with the recertification of the employee organization.

The bill requires the employee organization to be re-certified as the bargaining agent if the number of employees paying dues is less than 60% of the number of employees eligible for representation in the bargaining unit.