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Supreme Court Case Could Determine Future of Public-Sector Unions

The court will decide whether or not the Constitution forbids mandatory collective-bargaining contributions.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would consider whether the Constitution bars states from requiring government employees to contribute to collective-bargaining costs, casting a cloud over the strength of public-sector unions.

 

The lawsuit, brought by the Christian Educators Association International and 10 California public-school teachers who object to paying union fees, seeks to overrule a 1977 precedent that allows government entities to require public employees to shoulder their fair share of the costs for unions negotiating on their behalf.

The challengers contend public-sector unions are effectively engaging in political lobbying when they negotiate contract terms with school boards and other government agencies. The plaintiffs say forced union contributions compel public employees to subsidize speech with which they disagree, in violation of their First Amendment rights.

Lower courts rejected the suit, citing the 1977 high-court ruling.

 

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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