Labor Notes
June 30th, 2015
UPDATE, JUNE 30—Though the Supreme Court saved the Affordable Care Act again, and protected same sex couples' right to marry, the nine judges ended their term by opting to hear the case that public sector unions have been trying to make go away: Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association.
The court could decide the case as soon as a year from now.
JUNE 24—In late June the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear a lawsuit, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, that could make the whole public sector “right to work.”
The court would determine whether public sector unions could continue to collect so-called “fair share” or “agency” fees.
If CTA loses, public employees across the country could opt out of membership and pay nothing for the union protections they enjoy. Union budgets—and strength—would be further diminished.
Public sector unions are playing defense. They need a plan to convince employees to join (or stay in) the union. But they’re operating in a difficult terrain, after years of cuts and concessions.
“There’s been a loss of confidence,” said Vice President Daniel Barnhart of United Teachers Los Angeles. “When you are in a crouch, it’s harder for people to see a fighting union.”