Labor & Employment (Collective Bargaining)

This bill prohibits Montana public employers from deducting union dues, fees, fines, or political contributions from employees' salaries or assisting in collecting such payments. It makes it an unfair labor practice for public employers to deduct or help collect these contributions and for labor organizations to pressure employers into doing so. The legislation also amends existing ethics laws to clarify restrictions on how public officers and employees can use public resources for political purposes. These changes directly affect government agencies, public sector workers, and labor organizations operating within Montana.

This bill, titled the Worker Freedom Act, establishes Montana as a right-to-work state by prohibiting employers from requiring employees to join or financially support a labor organization as a condition of employment. It mandates that any wage deductions for union dues must be based on written employee authorization that can be revoked at any time, and it requires employers to post notices informing workers of their freedom of choice regarding union membership. The legislation also declares illegal any agreements between employers and unions that violate these rights and imposes misdemeanor penalties with fines up to $1,000 for violations, while allowing affected individuals to seek civil damages and attorney fees. The law applies to most employers in the state but excludes federal employees, those on federal land, and industries covered by federal labor laws.

This bill revises Montana's labor laws to restrict how public sector employees and their unions can use public resources for union activities. It prohibits government agencies from using public funds to support labor organizations and bars public employees from receiving paid time off for union work, except under specific conditions where unpaid leave is allowed or personal leave is used with strict oversight. The law also requires detailed reporting and reimbursement processes when employees use compensated leave for representational activities, ensuring public funds are not indirectly used for union purposes. Additionally, the bill updates existing rules of conduct for public officers and employees to further clarify restrictions on using public resources for private or organizational business.

SB 376, the "Worker Freedom Act," prohibits employers from requiring employees to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. It mandates written employee authorization for union dues deductions (with 30-day revocation rights), requires employers to post a notice about union choice rights, and imposes fines for violations. The bill directly affects all Montana employees, except federal workers, railroad employees, and those under federal labor law. It amended Montana law to align with these protections but died in committee in May 2025 without becoming law.

SB 94 prohibits Montana public employers from using public funds or resources for labor organization activities, directly affecting public sector workers like teachers and school staff. It bans contributions of public money to unions or paid leave for union work, but allows unpaid time off for such activities and permits using accrued personal leave under specific conditions. The bill requires unions to cover costs for paid leave used in union activities through annual invoices to public employers and mandates reporting on time spent on union-related work. These changes aim to limit public funding for union operations while establishing clear administrative procedures.

SB 277 would have prohibited Montana public employers from deducting union dues, fees, or political contributions from public employees' paychecks or assisting in collecting these payments. It directly affects public employees, labor organizations, and political committees by eliminating payroll deduction as a method for these payments. The bill would have made it an "unfair labor practice" for public employers to handle such deductions or for labor organizations to request them. This policy change would have shifted responsibility for collecting dues and contributions entirely to employees and organizations, removing public employers from the process.