Security guards in Michigan have achieved a significant legal victory, allowing them to cease mandatory union dues payments. This follows the repeal of Michigan’s Right to Work law, which had previously allowed workers to opt out of paying union dues.
James Reamsma and his colleagues at Triple Canopy Inc. led the charge against United Government Security Officers of America (UGSOA) Local 288. With assistance from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, they organized a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) “deauthorization election.” This move was aimed at removing the union’s authority to enforce dues payments as a condition of employment.
Despite facing delays due to legal tactics by union lawyers, the security guards successfully voted against forced dues. As a result, UGSOA announced it would end its representation at Triple Canopy, freeing the guards from both compulsory dues and unwanted union representation.
Reamsma expressed concerns about threats from UGSOA officials who allegedly warned non-union members about potential job loss. He stated, “Many of us are retired police officers or military… When Right to Work was in place, guards were never forced to join the union.”
In addition to organizing the deauthorization election, Reamsma filed unfair labor practice charges against UGSOA. These charges highlight alleged violations related to forced-dues demands and lack of transparency regarding how dues amounts were calculated.
Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Foundation, commented on the situation: “Mr. Reamsma’s situation shows the kind of greedy gamesmanship union officials can engage in without Right to Work.” He added that such cases underscore why repealing Michigan’s Right to Work law was a mistake.
The fight against forced dues continues in Michigan as more workers seek legal avenues to challenge compulsory union support following the repeal of protections that allowed voluntary financial contributions.
