S. 511: Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025, aims to amend the U.S. Code to require federal agencies to charge labor organizations for the use of federal resources and employee time that is allocated for union activities. Below are the main components of the bill:

Charging Labor Organizations for Federal Resources

The bill introduces a framework in which federal agencies will charge labor organizations, defined as those recognized as representatives of employees under federal law, a fee for the resources they use. These resources include:

• Office space, parking, and equipment provided by the agency.
• Time during which employees serve as labor representatives while on duty for union activities (known as "union time").

Fee Calculation

The fees will be calculated based on:

1. The estimated value of the union time for each labor representative during the quarter.
2. The value of other agency resources provided to the labor organizations.

Agency Responsibilities

The head of each federal agency will be responsible for:

• Charging labor organizations a fee every calendar quarter.
• Providing a quarterly notice to labor organizations detailing the amount of the fees charged.
• Collecting these fees, which will be transferred to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.

Value Determinations

The bill specifies how agencies will determine the value of union time and agency resources, using established rates and methodologies. These determinations cannot be contested under labor laws.

Enforcement and Penalties

The legislation includes penalties for labor organizations that fail to pay the fees on time. These penalties may include:

• Increased fees at a specified interest rate for overdue payments.
• Restriction of union time and access to agency resources if payments remain unpaid for an extended period.
• Possible termination of a labor organization's certification as the exclusive representative of employees if there are prolonged failures to pay.

Tracking and Compliance

Federal agencies are required to track the use of union time by labor representatives. Employees who fail to properly record their union time may face disciplinary actions. Additionally, agency Inspectors General will evaluate compliance with this new fee structure and reporting requirements biennially.

Impact on Federal Employees

Should the bill become law, it may affect how federal employees engage in union activities and could impose financial responsibilities on labor organizations for the use of federal resources during these activities.

Relevant Companies

None found.