Cheryl Conn, a nationally credentialed specialist, worked for the Department of Labor and Industries in Washington state and had long been active in her local union as a shop steward and delegate. She was employed in the department for 11 years before quitting the union.
“I quit the union because compulsory union membership or dues is wrong to impose on state employees,” Conn said. “An organization should have to earn its supporters by providing ongoing excellent service. What exists now is pure extortion.”
As a result of her frustration with the union’s tactics, Conn formed FreeConscience.org, a grassroots organization of state employees working against mandatory union representation.
— Michael Reitz