What are the laws concerning union dues and other fees?

In Washington, union dues and other fees are governed by the state labor and employment laws. These laws set out the rules for when workers can be charged for dues or fees, and the amounts they can be charged. For most union dues and fees, a worker must agree to pay them as a condition of their employment. The union cannot require a worker to become a member or pay dues without their consent. However, employers may require non-members to pay a fee of up to 85% of the dues or fees of a union member. This is called the “fair share fee," and the money goes to the union, not the employer. Workers may also have to pay certain fees associated with filing a grievance or challenging their dismissal from a job. These are called mandatory agency fees and are regulated by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. The fees are set by the state and vary depending on the case. Besides union dues and fees, employers may also require employees to pay for job-related expenses. For example, employers may require workers to pay for the costs of special tools or uniforms. The amount a worker is charged cannot exceed the actual cost of the item. In Washington, all union dues and other fees must be reasonable and necessary. Employers must also follow specific rules when deducting fees from a worker’s paycheck. Any charges that are not authorized by law must be returned to the worker.

Related FAQs

What are the laws concerning employee classification as employees or independent contractors?
What are the State labor laws?
What is the Immigration and Nationality Act?
What is the Equal Pay Act?
What is the WARN Act?
What is the difference between labor law and employment law?
What is the Public Works Employment Act?
What is the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act?
What does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) do?
What are the laws regarding religious discrimination in the workplace?

What are the laws concerning union dues and other fees?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts