Unions should cut state workers’ dues

Kentucky is at the moment when we must responsibly address the pensions of our teachers and state workers. We know that teachers and state workers are organized. Now would be a great time for the labor organizations to step up and show solidarity with their members and not charge dues for the next couple years. This would go a long way toward helping to cope with any transition issues and, doggone it, it’s the right thing to do.

Join me in calling on the American Federation of Teachers, Kentucky Education Association, Jefferson County Teachers Association, Fayette County Education Association and Jefferson County Association of Educational Support Personnel to suspend their dues collection for the next two years. The Kentucky Association of State Employees and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (Kentucky) should as well.

We owe it to our hard-working teachers, who are in one of the noblest positions one could possibly choose, to help them in their time of need. Our teachers shouldn’t be made to suffer from too much money being taken from their hard-earned paychecks.

This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 6:23 PM with the headline "Unions should cut state workers’ dues."