Governor Baker Returns Janus "Fix" Bill with Proposed Amendments

Date: July 16, 2019

 

NFIB continues to stand in strong opposition to a labor-friendly proposal that goes far beyond allowing public unions to charge non-members “reasonable fees”. The legislation granted labor organizers access to workers’ private emails, cell phone numbers and mandated automatic meetings for new hires.

The proposed legislation is aimed at getting around a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prevents unions from automatically taking dues from workers’ paychecks.

“This will result in an erosion of worker protections,” said NFIB State Director Chris Carlozzi, who wrote to Gov. Charlie Baker urging him to veto the bill. “We have a lot of concerns, especially about privacy issues.”

Governor Baker refused to sign the bill and instead returned it to the House and Senate with a list of proposed changes. Baker’s amendment suggestions incorporated many of the House and Senate amendments that sought to address privacy concerns and prevent union intimidation for workers who chose to opt-out but failed to be adopted.

Baker’s changes will:

  • Deny unions access to workers’ cell phone numbers.
  • Require a worker’s written consent before their information is released.
  • Mandates new employees are given written information about their rights under Janus to join or not join a union.
  • Require written consent for unions to text message workers.
  • Highlight that no worker is mandated to meet with unions.

The Massachusetts Legislature may opt to adopt all, some or none of Governor Bakers’ suggested amendments. The so-called Janus “fix” bill passed 155-1 in the House and 38-1 in the Senate.

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