Bill > LD187

This bill prohibits labor organizations from requiring nonmembers to pay service fees for representation and collective bargaining activities, effectively eliminating the current practice of mandatory "agency fees" or "fair share fees" for employees who choose not to join a union. Specifically, the bill amends several sections of Maine state law to remove language that previously allowed labor organizations to charge nonmembers a pro rata service fee for representational expenses. Under the proposed changes, employees who refrain from joining or participating in a union's activities will no longer be compelled to pay any fees to the organization that serves as their bargaining agent. This change means that while a union must still represent all employees in a bargaining unit, nonmembers cannot be required to financially contribute to the union's representational activities, which could potentially impact union funding and operational resources. The bill applies to multiple sections of Maine's labor laws, ensuring a comprehensive prohibition of mandatory service fees across different employment sectors.

Labor and Employment

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=187&snum=132