Develop a set of responses to anticipated public backlash. Popular sentiment holds that public sector employee unions have secured overly generous wage and benefit packages for government workers. Any activity that appears to strengthen public unions will be met with, at best, suspicion, and, at worst, open hostility. There are a number of anti-union organizations that are eager to help dissatisfied employees challenge agency shop agreements, and that will use the opportunity to disparage the affected union and government agency. While it is difficult to control what is printed or broadcast about the issue, it is possible to prepare in advance so that the office is not caught off guard when reporters call.
People can understand when the issue is expressed as one of fairness.
In the future, government can expect more requests for agency shop agreements in order to fulfill labor's ambitious agenda. The experiences of the County of Los Angeles give a fair idea of the process and how it can be made to work for all parties involved. California Teachers Assn. 68X CPER 1. Bromley v. Michigan Education Assn.