The U.S. Government recently amended the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order 13201 that requires the notification of employees of their rights concerning the payment of Union dues or fees. The rule requires contractors performing work paid for by the U.S. Government to post notices in all their plants (job sites) and offices whether or not such facilities are used to support work that is under Federal Contract. Such Federal contractors are required to insert a clause in their subcontracts and purchase orders requiring them to also post the required notice in their facilities. These requirements do not apply to contractors, subcontractors or vendors that employ fewer than 15 persons or to non-union construction sites or establishments.
The penalties for non-compliance include contract termination or suspension and being declared ineligible for further Federal contracts.
Notice to Employees
Under Federal law, employees cannot be required to join a union or maintain membership in a union in order to retain their jobs. Under certain conditions, the law permits a union and an employer to enter into a union-security agreement requiring employees to pay uniform periodic dues and initiation fees. However, employees who are not union members can object to the use of their payments for certain purposes and can only be required to pay their share of union costs relating to collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance adjustment.
If you do not want to pay that portion of dues or fees used to support activities not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment, you are entitled to an appropriate reduction in your payment. If you believe that you have been required to pay dues or fees used in part to support activities not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment, you may be entitled to a refund and to an appropriate reduction in future payments.
For further information concerning your rights, you may wish to contact the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) either at one of its Regional offices or at the following address or toll free number:
National Labor Relations Board, Division of Information
1099 14th Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20570
1-866-667-6572 or 1-866-316-6572 (TTY)
http://www.nlrb.gov