By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – A case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court Monday could cause fallout for public employee unions in Illinois.
The case out of California by a group of non-union teachers argues those who choose not to be in a union should not have to pay a share of union dues to cover collective bargaining costs. The group believes the payments violate their right to free expression.
“The people who don’t want to be part of the union are arguing very simply that everything the union does is political,” said Illinois State University Supreme Court Scholar Meghan Leonard. “They’re not talking, necessarily, about the pressure (to join the union), but that when we’re talking about public sector unions they’re spending tax payer money, therefore they’re political.”
Leonard explained making what is commonly called “fair share” payments unconstitutional would leave unions having to do the same negotiating work with less money.
“So people who don’t want to be part of the union won’t have to pay and even people who want to benefit from the union will be able to free ride – to use the union to their benefit, but not pay,” she said.
The court’s decision likely won’t be made public until summer.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
