High Country Times

WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced H.R. 8573, the Union Members Right to Know Act, on May 28, 2024. The legislation mandates that labor unions inform their members of their free speech rights and the right not to pay dues or fees for nonrepresentational activities based on religious beliefs and practices.

The bill's introduction follows concerns raised during an investigation into the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys - UAW Local 2325’s (ALAA) passage of a contentious resolution despite objections from union members. Throughout the investigation, ALAA members expressed that they were unaware of their rights and criticized the union for failing to share this information.

“Too many union members are unaware of the rights afforded to them under the law. Unions deliberately fail to inform their members of their rights in a callous attempt to exert power and control,” said Chairwoman Foxx. “This bill will bring transparency and accountability, and it will foil unions’ attempts to trample on the rights of members. Union members deserve to be empowered with information to make informed decisions.”

The Union Members Right to Know Act requires labor unions to:

- Inform union members of their free speech rights.

- Notify members about their right to seek reasonable accommodation not to pay dues or fees based on religious beliefs or practices.

- Advise members about their right to object to paying union dues related to nonrepresentational activity.

Additionally, labor unions must provide summaries of these laws and rights within 30 days of a new member joining and annually thereafter. Unions are also required to post a link detailing this information on their websites.

For further details, click here for bill text.

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