Union to vote on dropping mandatory dues for 6 percent raise

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Negotiators for Maine’s largest state union say they’ve agreed to a new, two-year contract that will both increase wages and eliminate mandatory union fees for workers in jobs represented by unions.

The deal has long been a goal of Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who has previously made repeated efforts to change the state law that enables unions, including those in the private sector, to collect fees from non-members. The Portland Press Herald reports (https://bit.ly/2w6DBJK ) the Maine State Employees Association contract will go out for a ratification vote on Aug. 30.

The deal will also increases wages by 6 percent, an increase over a previously offered 1-percent pay raise.