Anti-Union Bill Reappears. But This Time, Local Control Is Directly in Its Crosshairs

The big news: Boyle, who has made crushing unions one of her pet projects, once again submitted a bill that would seriously curtail how the Idaho Education Association and other public-sector employees communicate, organize and enforce workplace rights.  

• Boyle introduced House Bill 601 in the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee.  

• The bill would affect IEA and labor unions representing fire fighters and police.  

What the bill does: HB 601 makes many sweeping changes, beginning with the way unions are defined in Idaho, creating a new “government unions” chapter in Idaho code. The bill assumes that union activity is inherently political. 

• The bill defines “government union activities” very broadly. Under the bill, those activities include preparing and pursuing grievances, representing employees in disciplinary meetings up to termination, administering agreements, and facilitating labor-management meetings. In other words, standard activities for any union.  

The bill’s other provisions:  

• Ends payroll deduction for union dues. This tactic is common in union-busting legislation, which Idaho Education Association members have combatted through IEA AutoPay. 

•  Restricts how districts can share employee contact info with unions, beyond what is required under public records law, unless each employee signs written authorization.  

• Prohibits employers from distributing union communications, including meeting notices, membership info, or professional development opportunities.  

• Bans paid release time for union activity unless release time is specifically mentioned in a collective bargaining agreement. If release time is allowed under a district-union CBA, that time must be tracked by employee and by day. The district would have to invoice the union for the union employee’s time and receive reimbursement within 30 days.

What IEA is saying: “This bill is designed to chill, or even paralyze, union participation,” said IEA President Paul Stark. “That’s insidious enough. But it also continues a larger legislative trend of directly interfering with local control. In effect, Rep. Boyle’s bill is making the claim that districts and educators, as well as cities, police and fire fighters, cannot decide how they work together — the Idaho Legislature will dictate what happens, not the communities and schools they serve.” 

Where is the bill now?: The House Commerce and Human Resources Committee members Reps. Lori McCann (R-Lewiston) and Megan Egbert (D-Boise) made it clear they have further questions for Boyle. The bill is expected to be heard by the committee next week.