Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has introduced a new bill aimed at requiring labor organizations to reimburse federal agencies for the use of government resources and employee time spent on union activities.
The proposed legislation, titled the Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025, seeks to amend Chapter 71 of Title 5 of the United States Code to ensure that labor organizations bear the cost of agency resources and employee time used for union-related activities.
The bill, designated as S. ll, was introduced in the Senate and referred to the appropriate committee for further review. If enacted, it would require labor organizations to pay fees for the use of federal resources, including office space, equipment, and employee time spent on union business, commonly referred to as “union time.”
The Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025 outlines several key provisions:
Fees for Use of Agency Resources: Federal agencies would be required to charge labor organizations a fee each calendar quarter for the use of agency resources, including employee time spent on union activities. The fee would be calculated based on the hourly rate of pay for employees engaged in union time and the value of agency resources provided for union use.
Payment and Enforcement: Labor organizations would be required to pay the fees within 60 days of receiving a notice from the agency. Failure to pay on time would result in penalties, including interest on unpaid fees, denial of further union time, and termination of the labor organization’s certification as the exclusive representative of agency employees.
Time Tracking: Agencies would be required to track the use of union time by labor representatives using their time and attendance systems. Failure to accurately record union time could result in adverse actions against employees, including being considered absent without leave.
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Time Tracking: Agencies would be required to track the use of union time by labor representatives using their time and attendance systems. Failure to accurately record union time could result in adverse actions against employees, including being considered absent without leave.
Ernst, a vocal advocate for government accountability and fiscal responsibility, argues that the bill is necessary to protect taxpayer dollars.
The bill is expected to face strong opposition from labor unions and their supporters, who argue that it undermines the rights of federal employees to engage in collective bargaining and union activities.
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