February 2, 2023
In the tail end of 2022, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) signed on to a letter urging Congress to reinstate a federal tax deduction for workers’ union dues. This would come in the form of a bipartisan bill entitled the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, originally introduced by Representative Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Senator Robert Casey (D-PA).
“Millions of union members and working families across America would benefit from this bipartisan legislation,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “At a time when high prices and inflation are crushing workers throughout the country, we must find ways to provide them some relief. This tax deduction would put a little more money in workers’ pockets, but it may mean the world when it comes to taking care of their families.”
The tax benefit has strong support from bipartisan members of Congress as well as the White House. It would also go a long way in organizing new union members, at a time when over 70% of Americans have a favorable view of labor unions. The bill may encourage non-union employees to join their colleagues by mitigating the cost of being a dues-paying member.
“It is clear that Americans appreciate that unions and solidarity deliver higher wages, quality benefits, safer working conditions, and better job security,” continued President Erwin. “Workers who want to join a union should be able to do so without the cost of union dues affecting their decision. This legislation solves that problem and will improve the lives of working Americans. I look forward to working with Congress to see that the federal tax deduction for union dues is reinstated this year.”