Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to give union members in Minnesota more control over how their union dues are allocated. It allows members to decide whether their dues go to a local, state, or national organization of their choice.

Main Provisions

• Allocation Choices: Both public and private sector union members can choose to allocate their union dues or membership fees to a local, state, or national organization.
• Payroll Deductions: Public employers must offer payroll deduction options for union dues and allow allocations according to the public employee's request. Private employers must also make deductions possible once requested by a group of five or more employees.
• Notification and Authorization: Exclusive representatives (unions) must inform members of their allocation options, and any dues deduction authorization should clearly indicate this choice. The authorization for payroll deductions must be sustained unless changed or canceled by the employee.
• Authorization Certification: Employers can rely on a union's certification regarding the validity of payroll deduction authorizations. Disputes over authorizations will be resolved through unfair labor practice proceedings.
• Employer Obligations: Employers must start deductions within 30 days after a certification is submitted and remit the deductions to the chosen organization within 30 days.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expanded Allocation Options: Previously, union dues could be automatically allocated to a designated representative. This bill introduces the right for union members to redirect their dues as they prefer.
• Notification Requirement: Unions must now notify members about their right to choose how their dues are allocated, enhancing transparency and member control.

Relevant Terms

union members, union dues, payroll deduction, public employee, private employee, exclusive representative, certification, unfair labor practice, allocation options, local, state, national organization.