A controversial case before the Supreme Court -- now with an even number of members since the death of Antonin Scalia -- ended with a 4-4 deadlock. This was a win for the defendant, a labor union representing public school teachers. Essentially a group of teachers declined to join the teacher's union but had dues deducted from their paychecks.
The union argued that without compulsory dues the unions that represent public employees would wither and die. The teachers (and the libertarian group who helped fund the case, Center for Individual Rights) argued that forcing non-union teachers to pay for collective bargaining activities for the union was a free speech violation.
During the hearing in January Justice Antonin Scalia seemed especially hostile to the union and it was expected that the ten teachers and their libertarian sponsor would prevail by a 5-4 vote. Scalia's death changed that and Tuesday the Court deadlocked 4-4. That meant a lower court's ruling -- upholding the union -- remains in place. The union was wary but elated.
The law that was under attack was a California law but similar laws exist in other places as well. The challenge against these laws has been funded by a number of conservative foundations and they are expected to keep at it:
The union argued that without compulsory dues the unions that represent public employees would wither and die. The teachers (and the libertarian group who helped fund the case, Center for Individual Rights) argued that forcing non-union teachers to pay for collective bargaining activities for the union was a free speech violation.
During the hearing in January Justice Antonin Scalia seemed especially hostile to the union and it was expected that the ten teachers and their libertarian sponsor would prevail by a 5-4 vote. Scalia's death changed that and Tuesday the Court deadlocked 4-4. That meant a lower court's ruling -- upholding the union -- remains in place. The union was wary but elated.
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“We know the wealthy extremists who pushed this case want to limit the ability for workers to have a voice, curb voting rights and restrict opportunities for women and immigrants,” said Mary Kay Henry, the president of the Service Employees International Union. news link |
The law that was under attack was a California law but similar laws exist in other places as well. The challenge against these laws has been funded by a number of conservative foundations and they are expected to keep at it:
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Under California law, public employees who choose not to join unions must pay a “fair share service fee,” also known as an “agency fee,” typically equivalent to the dues members pay. The fees, the law says, are meant to pay for some of the costs of collective bargaining, including “the cost of lobbying activities.” More than 20 states have similar laws. |
via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/22TnMk7
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