As small business owners across Washington close their doors and lay off employees, the Freedom Foundation calls on Gov. Jay Inslee to take bold and swift action to get Washington working again by suspending for three months the deduction of union dues from public employees’ paychecks.

“Gov. Inslee has a great opportunity here to take immediate action that would help a lot of people in need,” said Tom McCabe, CEO of the Freedom Foundation. “Hardworking Washingtonians need that money more than the unions do. Small businesses and working families are hurting. Wealthy government unions can do their part by temporarily foregoing the dues deductions so people can keep more of their own money, spend it in the private sector and get our economy rolling again.”

A temporary, three-month dues suspension would allow public employees in Washington State to keep as much as $60 million in their pockets. That money could then be spent on goods and services, supporting local businesses and creating jobs, all at no cost to taxpayers.

While many businesses have been forced to close by Inslee’s shut-down order, government unions were exempted.

“Right now, our economy is in trouble,” McCabe said. “But Gov. Inslee can quickly do the right thing and call for a dues suspension. Government union bank accounts can go three months without collecting dues. People need to pay rent, put food on the table and gas in their car. This isn’t rocket science.”

Join us in urging Governor Inslee to place a moratorium on government union dues deductions.

For more information, contact:

 Maxford Nelsen
Director of Labor Policy
(360) 362-3991
MNelsen@FreedomFoundation.com