(RALEIGH) -- The state's largest and most powerful teachers association says it will file a lawsuit challenging the General Assembly's early morning vote on Thursday that will end payroll deduction of member dues.  Association President Sheri Strickland confirmed the organization's intension later in the day on Thursday.

"The Association's next steps are to pursue legal action within the next few days and to simply move our members to alternative ways to pay their dues," said Strickland.

NCAE Government Affairs Director Brian Lewis said the vote shortly after 1 a.m. on Thursday was unconstitutional because an adjournment resolution was not amended to include the consideration of a veto for the dues suspension. Additionally, the new law only suspends payroll dues collection for the NCAE while allowing the same practice for other employee associations.

NCAE attorneys say the basis of a lawsuit will the constitution.