Many years ago I worked for a school district maintenance division in California, where there was a strong union. I had no political leanings at the time. I was young and didn’t care about politics at all. But when it was time to join the union, and I saw that they would deduct money from my paycheck, I asked if it was lawful for me to *not join. When they begrudgingly said that I couldn’t legally be required to join, I declined the membership. They insinuated that my co-workers would dislike me for not joining, and that I wasn’t pulling my weight. Even as a political child, I knew that I would never voluntarily give money to a union.
Not so many years ago I joined a (rather large) public agency where union membership was required.
I was philosophically opposed to unions and asked what my options were.
I was told that I had to contribute an equal amount to a charity of their choice. All of which turned out to be liberal political activists.
I refused, and told them I would be willing to contribute to a charity of MY choice.
After a few months of dialog, the issue simply "went away."
Nothing changed until I retired.
They tried to tell me about all the great political causes which the additional dues were going to thinking that as a young new hire, I'd go along.
I stood my ground and, finally, the union rep told me in frustration, "But you don't know how this money is being used." Replied I, "And that is just part of the problem."