Public employee union dues. Restrictions on political contributions. Employee consent requirement. Initiative statute.

Possibly the most frequently campaigned for or against proposition in the upcoming election, Proposition 75 would require union representing government employees to procure written approval from all bargaining unit members on whether or not the employee’s union dues may go towards political support. The dream proposal for any boss, this is proposal by a Republican governor to repress the ability of unionized employees working for him to oppose him. All of this is done under the guise of protecting the rights of employees.

Already, unions may not use the fees paid by non-members for political purposes. Those fees, obtained in “agency shops,” must only go towards the costs the union pays in negotiating and representing the employees. However, this proposal goes further, limiting unions representing public employees from funding political causes from funds provided by full members, unless the member allows his or her contributions to go towards the lobbying.

Unions tend to shoot themselves in the foot on this one. Because of political alliances, unions often endorse proposals and candidates with limited or no relevance to workplace issues. For example, many unions have endorsed a no vote on Proposition 73, seemingly to appease allies in the Democratic Party. This certainly erodes support from members, who see part of their paychecks going towards causes they individually disagree with.

However, the root of this proposal is not to “protect the paychecks” of public employees. This is a proposal to lessen opposition to a certain governor’s proposals. It will limit unions’ abilities to fight for increasing compensation and employee rights.

Union political participation is one of the only ways the common Californian joins in governance other than voting. Most people do not contribute to political causes other than in their union dues. The union takes members dues with the intention of giving the underrepresented laborer representation in the halls of government. The Valley knows the labor movement well, as the late Cesar Chavez organized workers in agriculture throughout the state. It is this devotion to assisting the underpaid, overworked Californians that drives labor lobbyists.

However, Governor Schwarzenegger believes union lobbyists for teachers, law enforcement, and fire crews have overrun the state government. Proposition 75 is merely an attempt to weaken the voice of Californians he is not likely to appease. The governor has made no secret of his pro-industry focus. If he can lessen the opposition to his proposals by denying the labor movement a reliable financial source for lobbying tactics, he will more easily promote his agenda to state officials and the general public.

Although the money going towards unions for political action will decrease, Schwarzenegger has demonstrated no problem with raising higher and higher amounts of political contributions from rich donors. A democracy is strong when the people in it have equal access and are able to affect government. Unions, even with their faults, give regular people access to officials usually only given to big contributors. They give workers the ability to fight initiatives that will hurt labor, and they give workers the power to effectively change laws to raise wages and improve safety conditions. As this proposal limits the ability of certain groups to participate in governance, ValleyVue supports a NO on 75.