AUGUSTA — The end of Maine’s 2011-12 legislative session also marked the defeat of a bill that sought to ensure that public sector unions represent only employees who voluntarily join that union.

The bill, which was supported by Gov. Paul LePage but strongly opposed by unions, had been held over from the 2011 session. It would have allowed public employers to deduct union dues only if they are part of a collective bargaining agreement and the employee agrees to them.

Maine AFL-CIO President Don Berry applauded the Legislature for not passing the bill, calling it a divisive attack on workers’ rights.


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