Bill to end automatic collection of union dues from state paychecks faces some pushback

LINCOLN — Public employee unions stood against a bill Monday that would end the automatic collection of union dues from state paychecks in Nebraska.

State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon said state government provides a payroll service to unions, which use some of their dues to support political action committees and individual candidates for elected office. During a public hearing Monday at the State Capitol, Brewer said he introduced Legislative Bill 503 because he thinks the state should not help facilitate the political speech of union members.

“This is not a war on workers,” Brewer said. “Let’s get the government out of the business of being a dues collector for a union or any other private organization.”

Similar measures have passed in Wisconsin and Alabama and are under consideration in other states.

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/news/legislature/bill-to-end-automatic-collection-of-union-dues-from-state/article_d62c46d0-3280-598c-86ba-32aa51d60ab5.html

Cross-posted in Omaha Steve's Labor Group.