Interns exempted from unions

Under current law, public employees covered by collective bargaining agreements may be required to either join a union or pay a “fair share” fee. An exemption is made for full-time students under age 22 who are employed in temporary employment lasting 100 days or less — i.e. interns.

But more interns are older students and Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee) sponsors HF212 that would remove the age limit for the exemption.

The House Government Operations and Elections Committee approved the bill

Feb. 2 and sent it to the House floor.

Beard said the bill “recognizes that real-life work experience as internships are becoming an increasingly important component of all students’ work history, not just the traditional students.”

Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) expressed concern the bill could be used to replace union employees with interns who aren’t covered by collective bargaining agreements. But Beard said the bill is not a ploy to get around union membership.

“It will have no significant effect on unions or collective bargaining,” Beard said.

Minnesota Inter-County Association Executive Director Keith Carlson said he supports the bill, and noted that many workers in their 30s, 40s and 50s are seeking internships nowadays.

“It’s a long overdue update … to acknowledge the realities of the current workplace,” Carlson said.

Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan) sponsors the companion, SF134, which awaits action by the Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee.