GOV. RITTER RESTORES PAYROLL DEDUCTION OPTION FOR STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Executive order allows state workers to once again have union dues deducted

directly from paychecks and forwarded to employee associations

 

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed an executive order that once again will allow the state to deduct dues from employees' paychecks and forward the money directly to employee associations. The dues check-off option was essentially banned in 2001 after nearly 70 years in existence.

 

"I am pleased to restore what had been a long-standing policy that benefited state employees and employee associations," Gov. Ritter said. "This will once again give employees the option of assigning association dues directly from their paychecks to their organizations."

 

The state's 74,000 employees will be able to check off a payroll deduction box that allows organization dues to go directly to those organizations. Ritter said the convenience and efficiency of the check-off program is important to the state's workforce.

 

"Those of us serving on the front lines want to work as partners with Gov. Ritter and his managers to make state government more responsive and effective," said Audrey Newman, a 16-year state employee at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a member of the Colorado Association of Public Employees/Service Employees International Union. With more than 4,000 members, CAPE/SEIU represents the largest number of state employees.

 

"We know what works and what doesn't, so we value the right to support employee organizations that will speak with a cohesive voice on our behalf," Newman said. "I appreciate the governor's action today and the respect it shows for the important work we do for the people of Colorado."

 

The governor's executive order initiates a state rule-making process that involves a public notice and public comment period. The rule would take effect in August.