Unions Fear SCOTUS Again

Last year, public sector unions were given a reprieve when the Supreme Court deadlocked on a major case that would have dealt them a massive blow. But a new case, which raises the same legal issue, has arrived at the court. It could be heard by all nine justices, including new appointment Justice Neil Gorsuch. If Gorsuch sides with the conservative members of the court, millions of government workers in more than 20 states would be allowed to opt out of paying for collective bargaining, starving the unions of vast sums of money. The case concerns Mark Janus, an employee of the state government in Illinois who is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He sued the union, saying he does not agree with its positions and should not be forced to pay to support its work. Having already determined that the issue in the case warrants the court’s attention, the justices are likely to agree to hear it.