On March 18, 2025, three conservative lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced the Paycheck Protection Act (H.R. 2174), which would restrict all federal and postal unions from deducting union dues from employee paychecks, if it becomes law. In addition to union dues, this bill aims to restrict deductions for “fees or political contributions,” which may mean many other deductions, such as the Committee on Political Action (COPA) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
The bill, introduced by Rep. Eric Burlison (RMO- 07) and cosponsored by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL-15) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), was voted favorably out of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 25. Now, lawmakers can move this bill to the House floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled as of the publication of this issue of The American Postal Worker.
For years, voluntary payroll deductions have been used as an efficient and economical way for employees to pay certain bills. By targeting union dues, lawmakers are taking direct aim at labor unions’ self-funding. Ultimately, it would be harder for workers to pay their union dues, and therefore the union would have fewer resources to fight grievances and collectively bargain.
While lawmakers argue that this bill protects your freedom – in reality, union dues are completely voluntary and always authorized by postal and federal workers themselves. The so-called “Paycheck Protection Act” places unnecessary burdens on the APWU and could dismantle our union.
The APWU’s Legislative and Political Department is closely monitoring this bill and will continue to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to fight against this bill moving any further, but we need your help. Contact your congressional representatives in the House and urge them to strongly oppose H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act! ■
