AUGUSTA (AP) — The end of Maine’s 2011-12 legislative session also marked the defeat of a bill that sought to ensure that public sector unions represent only employees who voluntarily join that union.
The bill, which was supported by Gov. Paul LePage but strongly opposed by unions, had been held over from the 2011 session. It would have allowed public employers to deduct union dues only if they are part of a collective bargaining agreement and the employee agrees to them.
Maine AFL-CIO President Don Berry applauded the Legislature for not passing the bill, calling it a divisive attack on workers’ rights.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less