Governor DeSantis takes aim at teachers’ union dues

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced he’s backing a controversial proposal aimed at teachers’ unions.

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In a speech delivered to prospective school board members in Orlando Monday, DeSantis said he wants to prohibit union dues from automatically being deducted from teachers’ paychecks.

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He calls it ‘paycheck protection’ legislation.

“The government, we don’t want to play a role in deducting anybody’s money. So, you write a check, you know, every month for the dues and you do it that way,” said DeSantis.

It’s not a new idea.

The bill has been filed multiple times in years past but has never crossed the finish line.

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That’s in part because of staunch opposition from union members and union leaders like Terrie Brady, who heads Duval Teachers United.

“So, he’s not saying they can’t be a member of the union, but he’s going to make it more challenging to become a member,” said Brady.

But Brady says even the term ‘automatic deduction’ is a mischaracterization, as teachers opt into the payments and can opt out at any time.

“So, no one is being forced to be a union member in the State of Florida because we’re a right to work state,” said Brady.

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Brady said teachers’ unions process their dues the same as other public sector unions, including police and firefighters.

The question she has for the Governor: Why single out teachers?

“Here’s the thing. This is a freedom of speech and representation. Don’t’ segregate us out. It’s either gotta be all or nothing,” said Brady.

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While no official bill has been filed for the upcoming session beginning in March, with the Governor’s backing, it’s only a matter of time.