National Right to Work Foundation defended seasonal UPS worker who received $0 paycheck after Teamsters bosses illegally took full dues from wages
Washington, DC (November 25, 2025) – The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation has published a special legal notice for workers in transportation, retail, foodservice, and other industries who have been hired temporarily to meet demand during the 2025 holiday season. The notice reminds seasonal workers that, in many cases, they have no legal obligation to formally join a union or pay union dues, even if union bosses demand that they do so.
The notice also provides contact information for the Foundation’s staff attorneys so temporary workers can obtain free legal assistance in exercising their right to be free of unwanted union affiliation. In one instance, Foundation attorneys aided a Stockton, CA, seasonal UPS worker, who received a paycheck for $0 after UPS management deducted full union dues from his paycheck at the behest of Teamsters union officials.
The full notice is available here https://www.nrtw.org/holiday/.
“Retailers, package delivery companies, restaurants, and other companies often hire temporary workers during the Holiday Season,” the notice reads. “Knowing that many of these workers may be unaware of their right not to join a union, union officials often deceive temporary workers into believing they must join or pay dues to the union to keep their jobs… Employees have a right not to be members of unions.”
Even in States Lacking Right to Work Protections, Seasonal Employees Can Avoid Forced Dues
In the 26 states that have Right to Work protections, there is no obligation for private sector employees to join or pay dues to a union as a condition of staying employed. The 24 states that lack Right to Work protections let union officials enforce contracts that require workers to pay dues or be fired, even workers who abstain from membership. However, the notice explains, “even in a state that lacks Right to Work protections, if you are working for LESS THAN 30 DAYS on the job, you cannot be legally obligated to pay union fees.”
The notice also urges temporary workers not to sign any documents authorizing union membership or permitting union officials to deduct dues directly out of their wages, explaining that forcing a worker to sign either kind of document is illegal. Finally, the notice encourages seasonal employees to reach out immediately to the Foundation’s legal team if they encounter pressure from their employer or union officials or have questions about their situation.
“Seasonal workers should be commended for stepping up to make the holidays run smoothly. But in the hustle and bustle they shouldn’t forget about their individual rights,” observed National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. “Union bosses may use the holiday rush as their opportunity to trap delivery drivers, shelf stockers, and many others in union membership and dues deductions without them even noticing. But the Foundation’s legal notice provides vital information so they can be on guard against such illegal demands.
“Many Americans pick up extra jobs this time of year to put a little extra money in their pocket for the holidays, which makes it especially outrageous when union grinches mislead workers into paying dues money in violation of their rights,” Mix added. “Seasonal employees should not hesitate to contact the Foundation if they believe they are being forced to fund or otherwise associate with an unwanted union in violation of their legal rights.”
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.
