Workers shouldn’t have to pay for representation that they don’t want. One contract between Deschutes County and its union-represented employees clearly gives employees that option.

But the option may even be in jeopardy for those workers — those represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. AFSCME represents nearly 400 of the county’s 1,000 employees.

The union wants a “fair share” policy added to the contract. The policy could require all county employees represented by the union to pay dues. County Commissioner Tammy Baney said 19 percent of the employees represented by AFSCME pay dues right now. That is certainly a motivation for the union to get more people to pay.

The issue came up Tuesday night in the debate between the candidates for Deschutes County Commission. It was one of the places that there was a clear disagreement between them.

Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone said he does not want a fair share policy added to the contract. Bend City Councilor Jodie Barram would support a fair share policy under certain conditions. She said she would support it if that’s what a majority of the membership wanted.

Advocates for fair share policies say all workers should have to pay for representation because they benefit from the work the union does. We agree with opponents who argue it’s unfair to compel workers to pay for representation they don’t want.

It may take a U.S. Supreme Court decision to prohibit unions from compelling workers to pay. But if that doesn’t happen, Deschutes County Commissioners should protect options for its employees in county labor contracts.