The Florida House gave final approval to a controversial plan that would place additional restrictions on public-employee unions, teeing up the issue for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Union members repeatedly came to the Capitol to fight the bill (SB 256), but it moved quickly through the Senate before passing the Republican-controlled House in a 72-44 vote. Nine House Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the bill.
Among other things, the bill would prevent dues from being deducted from workers’ paychecks, forcing union members to make separate payments. Also, it would require gauging how many eligible employees are dues-paying union members. If fewer than 60% of eligible employees are members, unions would have to be recertified as bargaining agents.
In addition, it would allow public employers to challenge union’ applications to renew registrations as bargaining agents if the employers think the applications are inaccurate.
Also, it would require unions to have audited financial statements, which would need to be made available to members.
House sponsor Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, said the bill would increase transparency and make unions stronger.
“This bill is good for workers, and it will be good for the unions,” Black said.
But opponents argued the bill was an attack on unions and would hurt workers.
“Our constituents deserve better than union-busting tactics like these,” Rep. Rita Harris, D-Orlando, said.
The bill would affect a wide range of public-employees unions,...
DJ Vlad is showing no signs of letting up on N.O.R.E., having now jokingly suggested that the sexual assault lawsuit filed against the rapper-turned-podcaster is being bankrolled by Jay-Z. The civ...