Kaiser Nurse Challenges Union Over Alleged Forced Political Dues

Sarah Warthemann, a nurse at Kaiser Permanente's Woodland Hills branch, filed federal charges against the United Nurses Associations of California (UNAC), alleging the union illegally required her to pay dues supporting union political activities as a condition of her employment. Warthemann claims that UNAC officials threatened her with termination for refusing to comply, despite her requests to opt out of political spending.

According to the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, "UNAC union officials stated she would be fired if she refused formal union membership and dues payments for political expenditures," and the nurse filed her case with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). 

Nurse Rights: Beck Objectors and Federal Protections

Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Communications Communications Workers of America v. Beck ruling, union-represented non-members cannot be forced to pay the portion of union dues used for political and ideological activities. Nurses, like other union-represented employees, may only be required to fund collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance processing expenses—not union political campaigns.

In this instance, Warthemann asserts that UNAC failed to adequately inform her of her right to opt out of political dues, and threatened her employment in violation of federal law. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects workers’ rights to refrain from funding union political activity as a condition of employment.

Why Union Political Spending Matters

Unions such as UNAC and the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United participate in significant political advocacy, contending these efforts improve staffing, funding, and professional standards. However, as this case illustrates, some nurses strongly object to compulsory union political spending, arguing it infringes on their freedom of conscience and association.

Legal and Professional Implications for Nurses

Nurses represented by unions should be aware:

• You may have the right to resign union membership and pay only for workplace representation, not political activity.
• Your union must inform you of these rights if you ask, in accordance with federal law.
• It is illegal under the NLRA for unions or employers to retaliate against nurses for exercising these rights.

Concerned nurses can request a breakdown of dues and a Beck rights statement from your union. Should you object, notify your union in writing and report any retaliation to the National Labor Relations Board.

 

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