PARSIPPANY — Americans for Prosperity – New Jersey (AFP-NJ) announced the launch of a new initiative titled “Know Your Rights” in concert with National Employee Freedom Week (NEFW).
Started in 2013 by the Nevada Policy Research Institute, NEFW is an annual, nationwide campaign which aims to educate workers of their rights to opt-out of union membership or paying part or all of their union dues. This year, the coalition boasts a record number of 102 organizations across 42 states.
Americans for Prosperity’s “Know Your Rights” initiative will focus on NJEA members in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District. All teachers in the district will receive written correspondence advising them of their rights, including step-by-step instructions on how to become an “agency fee payer.” (Click here to see a copy of the letter) The initiative will be buttressed by a corresponding targeted social media advertising into the district and to other areas of the state.
In support of NEFW’s worker freedom efforts, AFP–NJ will be contacting public sector employees and advising them of their right to become an “agency fee payer” of their union, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and various school district affiliates. By becoming an “agency fee payer,” or “representative fee payer,” workers would retain their right to union representation, but no longer pay the portion of dues which support the union’s lobbying and political activities.
“Although New Jersey is not a right-to-work state, workers are still entitled to opt-out of certain union dues. However, many union members are unaware of their right to do so,” explained AFP state director Erica Jedynak. “AFP wants union members to know they have a choice. If they do not support the political activities of the union, they have a right to opt-out by becoming an agency fee payer.”
“Freedom of association is a cherished right of every American, and that should apply to the workplace just as it does in other aspects of people’s lives” added Jedynak. “Ultimately, this is about union members exercising this freedom and being able to make choices that are best for them, their families and their own conscience without fear of reprisal or penalty.”
According to the results of a new survey released by the Nevada Policy Research Institute, 34.7 percent of union members and union households in New Jersey are unaware of their rights to rescind their union membership in whole or in part. Nationally, the figure is 33.1 percent. In addition to having the right to become an “agency fee payer,” workers in New Jersey also have the option of becoming a “religious or conscientious objector.”
A letter from Americans for Prosperity has also been delivered to members of the state Legislature to apprise them of AFP’s efforts. The letter highlights the need for reforms that will expand worker freedom, such as right-to-work legislation, union recertification, and paycheck protection, while emphasizing the urgent need for “real pension reform.” Click here for a copy of AFP’s letter to New Jersey lawmakers.
