BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 2495
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Date of Hearing: April 26, 2012
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL
SECURITY
Warren T. Furutani, Chair
AB 2495 (Grove) - As Amended: March 29, 2012
SUBJECT : Public employees: fair share payments.
SUMMARY : Authorizes a state employee subject to a fair share
fee to elect to have a sum equal to the fair share fee paid to a
retirement savings plan of their choosing instead of to the
recognized employee organization.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Provides that once an employee organization is recognized as
the exclusive representative of a state bargaining unit, it
may enter into an agreement with the state employer providing
for organizational security in the form of maintenance of
membership or fair share fee deduction.
2)Requires the state to deduct the amount specified by the
recognized employee organization from the salary or wages of
every employee for the membership fee or the fair share fee
and to remit these fees monthly to the recognized employee
organization.
3)Authorizes an employee who is a member of a religious body
that objects to joining or financially supporting employee
organizations to elect to have a sum equal to the membership
fee or fair share fee paid to a charitable fund as specified.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown.
COMMENTS : According to the author, "Many public employees are
forced to pay dues to a union that they philosophically oppose.
At the same time, these workers are struggling to make ends meet
as they approach retirement. These workers should be given the
option to put more of those hard-earned dollars toward
retirement rather than supporting a union that they do not agree
with."
Opponents state, "The purpose of fair share fees is to reimburse
AB 2495
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the employee organization for its costs in representing persons
who decline to be members in matters of contract negotiation and
maintenance. Such organizations have an obligation to represent
all employees within the bargaining unit, whether they choose to
be members. AB 2495 would create a situation where fair share
payers would get a 'free ride' on the backs of members of the
employee organization."
Opponents conclude, "If members of bargaining units were not
required to pay for the costs associated with contract
negotiation and maintenance, but the exclusive representative
continued to be obligated to provide those services, collective
bargaining in this state would be compromised."
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Orange County Taxpayers Association
Opposition
California Association of Professional Scientists
California Correctional Peace Officers Association
California Professional Firefighters
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
California Teachers Association
Professional Engineers in California Government
Analysis Prepared by : Karon Green / P.E., R. & S.S. / (916)
319-3957