S.1313 - No Union Time on the Taxpayer's Dime Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1313, the "No Union Time on the Taxpayer's Dime Act," aims to eliminate the use of official time by Federal employees for labor organization activities. The bill amends Title 5 of the United States Code, specifically Section 7131, to mandate that any activities related to labor organizations must be performed during an employee's non-duty status. This means federal employees would no longer be compensated by taxpayer dollars for union-related work.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 7, 2025, by Mr. Lee and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The proposed change seeks to ensure that federal employees are only paid for performing their official duties, potentially reducing government spending.
The Act's short title clearly conveys its intent: to prevent union activities from being funded by taxpayers.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to prohibit federal employees from using their paid work hours for union activities. This would likely shift the responsibility for union-related tasks to employees' personal time.
Unions might experience a decrease in resources and manpower available during regular work hours, potentially affecting their ability to represent members and negotiate effectively. Federal agencies could see a reduction in labor costs, but also potentially increased friction with union representatives.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in government spending by eliminating paid time for union activities.
- Increased focus on official duties during work hours, potentially improving government efficiency.
- May level the playing field between union and non-union employees in terms of time dedicated to non-work activities.
- Could lead to more transparent accounting of union activities and their costs.
- Aligns federal employee compensation more closely with actual work performed.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential weakening of labor unions representing federal employees, impacting their ability to advocate for worker rights and benefits.
- Possible increase in labor disputes and decreased employee morale if unions feel their ability to represent members is compromised.
- Could shift union activities to outside of work hours, potentially making it more difficult for employees to participate.
- May lead to increased administrative burden for agencies to track and manage employee time and activities.
- Potential for decreased collaboration and communication between management and labor unions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While there is no explicit constitutional provision guaranteeing paid time for union activities, the First Amendment protects freedom of association and the right to petition the government. Restricting union activities could be argued as infringing upon these rights.
However, the government also has broad authority to manage its own employees and resources. The bill could be seen as an exercise of this authority to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds. The key legal question would be whether the restriction unduly burdens the First Amendment rights of federal employees.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of the "No Union Time on the Taxpayer's Dime Act" would likely be determined by the courts, balancing the government's interest in efficient operations with employees' rights to freedom of association and expression.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).