Supreme Court Hears Arguments For ‘Fair Share’ Case That Could Potentially Cripple Unions
The justices will hear a case on a rule that requires non-union employees at union-affiliated workplaces to pay “fair share” fees. Public sector employees who are not union members are required to pay these fees because the union’s collective bargaining is meant to benefit all employees equally. Nearly 1.5 million workers in health care occupations are represented by unions.
NPR:
Supreme Court Hears Fiery Arguments In Case That Could Gut Public Sector Unions
The Supreme Court heard fiery arguments Monday in a case that could remove a key revenue stream for public sector unions. A sharply divided court could be poised to overturn a 40-year-old Supreme Court decision that would further undermine an already shrinking union movement. Attorneys for Mark Janus, a child support specialist for the state of Illinois, argue that people like Janus, who choose not to join a union, shouldn't be compelled to pay partial union fees. (Totenberg, 2/26)
Sacramento Bee:
Union Fees On The Line: Five Takeaways From The Supreme Court Hearing
Justice Neil Gorsuch, the newest member of the Supreme Court, is the “x” factor on this case. The court’s eight other members split, four to four, in 2016 on a case challenging the California Teachers Association on the issue of “fair share” fees, which left a lower court ruling in favor of those fees in place. Gorsuch represents the deciding ninth vote, having filled the vacant seat created by Justice Antonin Scalia’s 2016 death. And given his conservative credentials, most legal observers expect Gorsuch to join his fellow Republican-appointed colleagues in ruling against the unions. (Cadei, 2/16)