University Workers Subject to Automatic Deduction for Union

Beginning in January, about 74,000 employees at the California State University and the University of California will discover their “fair share” of union dues automatically deducted from their paychecks.

The deductions, expected to generate millions of dollars for the 20 unions representing employees at the two public university systems, are the result of legislation that Gov. Gray Davis signed into law Saturday.

Although SB 645 was popular with union supporters, opponents among Cal State faculty immediately began to call for a vote to decertify the union representing 20,000 Cal State professors, counselors, librarians and coaches.

“The union has made a tactical mistake in all this,” said Chris Freiling, a Cal State San Bernardino math professor. “They have made it easier to get rid of the union than to get rid of the dues.”

Under the new law, employees in any bargaining unit can reject the dues assessment if 30% of them petition for an election, agree to pay election costs and persuade 50% of all members--not just those voting--to cast ballots to appeal it.

To decertify the union, opponents would follow a similar procedure but need only a majority of those casting ballots.

“We have at least 30% of the faculty and maybe more on our side,” said Charles Baird, a Cal State Hayward economics professor. “If we are going to go through the expense of repealing the fee, we might as well as go for the whole thing--just get rid of the turkeys.”

Susan Meisenhelder, president of the California Faculty Assn., said she does not think a decertification effort has broad support among Cal State faculty.

Furthermore, she said she expects the opposition to agency shop fees to diminish as nonmembers see the benefits of improved services from a strong, well-financed union. “Most nonmembers, with a few exceptions, want to see a stronger CFA,” she said.

All told, the agency shop law will cover 93,000 Cal State and UC employees, including clerical and maintenance workers, police officers, nurses and lab technicians (but not UC faculty). About 79% of those employees do not pay dues even though they are represented by a union.

That will change in January when they must either become dues-paying members or pay a “fair share” fee--about 85% of regular dues. The law allows employees to opt out on religious grounds.