Legislation against automatic union dues deduction temporarily halted
The Alabama cities of Mobile and Jacksonville were recently prevented from applying a recently enacted state law regarding union employee payroll deductions after a preliminary injunction was granted by a federal judge.
Act 761, which prohibits the practice of deducting dues unless the organization does not use them for political activity, was passed in the state earlier this year. Criminal penalties are threatened for violating the requirements, which define political activity broadly enough to include the discussion of candidates for state and local offices.
The International Association of Fire Fighters challenged the legislation by claiming that it was in violation of both free speech and due process. It partnered with several other organizations including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers and the Service Employees International Union.
"We knew this was a bad law, and I’m glad to see the judge issue a temporary injunction," said Danny Todd, vice president of the 14th district of the IAFF. "I believe the law will be overturned because it’s unconstitutional."
Act 761, which prohibits the practice of deducting dues unless the organization does not use them for political activity, was passed in the state earlier this year. Criminal penalties are threatened for violating the requirements, which define political activity broadly enough to include the discussion of candidates for state and local offices.
The International Association of Fire Fighters challenged the legislation by claiming that it was in violation of both free speech and due process. It partnered with several other organizations including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers and the Service Employees International Union.
"We knew this was a bad law, and I’m glad to see the judge issue a temporary injunction," said Danny Todd, vice president of the 14th district of the IAFF. "I believe the law will be overturned because it’s unconstitutional."
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