Meanwhile, the union was anticipating the Supreme Court’s ruling and subsequently, a possible drop in membership. To maintain its numbers, Education Minnesota would need to fortify its membership and bank accounts. Last year, the union increased the amount deducted from each member’s annual union dues for its political action committee from $15 to $25. (If members want to opt out of that donation, they have to jump through a few hoops: Fill out a form included in an issue of the union’s magazine — and not a photocopied version — and submit it by the end of October, or within 30 days of signing on as a union member.)
A union supporter, Amy, wrote in on Facebook to say she was proud to pay her union dues, including the $25 to the PAC and the $5 to the Educational Foundation.
Here is how Educated Teachers responded:
Amy, good for you but these are not “dues.” The $25 is PAC…
Education Minnesota Members, do you have your October issue of the Minnesota Educator?
Each year Education Minnesota charges member teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) $25.00 for its political action committee or “PAC.” PAC money is spent on political parties, candidates and other political funds. According to a recent filing, Education Minnesota…
Education Minnesota only allows teacher and ESP members to resign or "opt-out" of union membership and dues deductions during a narrow 7-day window that just closed Sunday night, September 30. What if you missed that window? Any public employee who wishes to resign from the union, and end the deduction of union fees, is free to use this website to generate a resignation letter.
Today is the last day that teachers and ESPs in Minnesota can resign according to the terms of the union card. This is your choice. The Supreme Court said you have to give your affirmative consent. This means you can resign without paying any fees or losing your job, but for now you are limited to the 7-day window. There is still time to resign.
Educated Teachers recommends that you send your resignation letter, opting-out of the union, via the U.S. mail to Education Minnesota, then follow up with an email. The instructions and help with the letter are here. And get it in the mail, ideally postmarked today.
The union needs to have written proof of membership to be in compliance with the Janus decision. The union is telling teachers who have NOT signed the card that they are members in good standing. You do not need to sign to keep your job. If you have signed a card, you can still resign over the next few days.
Remember as the 7-day window comes to a close this weekend: the U.S. Supreme Court said in Janus that this is your choice. If you resign, you do not have to fund the union with fair-share fees or any other fees. But, again, you can voluntarily support your local without becoming a member. It is up to the local whether to accept your gracious gesture.
Minnesota teachers who are choosing to exercise their First Amendment rights and resign from union membership are being told they need to meet with their local union official before they can opt-out. This meeting is not required under the law, teacher contract, or under the union membership card.