Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a supporter and one of the
initiators of Proposition 75, which would weaken the political
voice of some of the governor’s largest dissenters ““
unions made up of public employees ““ including firefighters,
nurses and public school teachers.
Union members pay dues to be part of a larger voice during
collective bargaining negotiations. A portion of these fees also go
toward political campaigns when their collective interests are
under attack.
Proposition 75 seeks to limit the use of union dues as
contributions to campaigns for political candidates or issues. The
change would require members to provide written consent every year
for unions to use their dues for political causes.
Proponents claim this measure protects public employees from
being forced into making unwanted donations to political campaigns
without their permission.
But currently, the portion of a member’s dues used for
political campaigns can be refunded if they disagree with the
cause. The employee can also opt not to be a member of the union,
yet still reap the benefits of the collective bargaining agreements
while paying less than members.
By shutting out unions, the big corporations and private
lobbying groups will have more influence on the state
legislature.
They ““ and the governor ““would benefit from
Proposition 75. No one else will.