I'm really at a loss for this one.

GRANDVIEW, Yakima County — After 18 years with the state Department of Agriculture, Cathy Munson will work her last day today.

Munson, 56, isn't retiring. She's been fired for refusing to pay union dues or alternative fees as required under a labor agreement between the state and the 40,000-member Washington Federation of State Employees.

Effective July 1, the contract contains a "union-security clause" that allows the union to collect dues or fees from employees who become members — and from those who do not.

Full Article

Even the "nonassociation fee" goes to the union.

While she shouldn't be able to enjoy the benefits the union has negotiated, she shouldn't be forced to join the union simply to keep her job.

In my opinion, Washington state should simply treat her as a private employer would.