KEYTA - Keystone Teachers Association

Points to consider regarding Agency Shop and Fair Share Fees.

1. Not every teacher benefits from union representation all of the time (the easy rebuttal is that it is impossible to meet everyone’s needs all of the time). There are a multitude of criticisms depending on your age, years of service, education, family circumstances, etc., that define your needs (benefits, salary scale, etc.) at a given time.

2. Agency fees force teachers to lose the option of contracting on their own leverage in union affairs. Taking away the teacher’s constitutional right not to buy union services is taking away the teacher’s ability to influence the union. If they receive your money regardless, then where has your leverage gone?

3. Fee payers are forced to subsidize political causes to which they are opposed. Federal law prohibits unions from spending dues and agency fees for political purposes; however, federal law defines “political” as support for candidates for public office. However, they can spend as much as they want to support positions espoused by candidates.

4. Agency fees eliminate your constitutional rights to petition government for redress of grievances. You are represented by the union and only by the union. You may not appeal to the school board or school administration to redress any grievances you may have. Constitutionally you could address the school board, but any follow-up discussion is likely to be deemed an unfair labor practice.

5. Should a legal situation arise, the union may choose not to represent you, union member or not. Thus, making your agency shop fees useless.

6. Agency fees are far greater than what is needed in order for the local association to bargain on your behalf.


[Login]	Points to consider regarding Agency Shop and Fair Share Fees. 1. Not every teacher benefits from union representation all of the time (the easy rebuttal is that it is impossible to meet everyone’s needs all of the time). There are a multitude of criticisms depending on your age, years of service, education, family circumstances, etc., that define your needs (benefits, salary scale, etc.) at a given time. 2. Agency fees force teachers to lose the option of contracting on their own leverage in union affairs. Taking away the teacher’s constitutional right not to buy union services is taking away the teacher’s ability to influence the union. If they receive your money regardless, then where has your leverage gone? 3. Fee payers are forced to subsidize political causes to which they are opposed. Federal law prohibits unions from spending dues and agency fees for political purposes; however, federal law defines “political” as support for candidates for public office. However, they can spend as much as they want to support positions espoused by candidates. 4. Agency fees eliminate your constitutional rights to petition government for redress of grievances. You are represented by the union and only by the union. You may not appeal to the school board or school administration to redress any grievances you may have. Constitutionally you could address the school board, but any follow-up discussion is likely to be deemed an unfair labor practice. 5. Should a legal situation arise, the union may choose not to represent you, union member or not. Thus, making your agency shop fees useless. 6. Agency fees are far greater than what is needed in order for the local association to bargain on your behalf.


	Keystone Teachers Association \| P.O. Box 548 \| Camp Hill, PA 17011 \| Phone:(717) 763-1168 \| TOLL-FREE 1-877-33KEYTA KEYTA website Designed & Hosted by Nittany Link, Inc.