Connecticut unions brace for Supreme Court decision with protests, membership changes

Yankee Institute ^ | Jun 13, 2018 | Marc E. Fitch

[george76]

With a U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Janus v. AFCSME case expected any day, Connecticut’s public sector unions are trying to convince members not to opt-out of membership if the Supreme Court decides in favor of Mark Janus.

The Connecticut State Employees Association and the American Federation of Teachers informed their members of a Freedom of Information request for union members’ contact information that originated out of Illinois.

Leaders say this information could be used for an opt-out campaign in the wake of a positive Janus decision.

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A decision in favor of Janus would essentially make Connecticut a right-to-work state for public sector employees, allowing government workers to opt out without paying any fees to unions. The decision would not affect unions in the private sector.

A similar case brought by California teacher Rebecca Friedrichs in 2016 tied 4-4 after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia left the Court evenly divided. With the appointment of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, many believe the court may rule in Janus' favor.

While a positive Janus decision would only affect public employees, the public sector is the largest bastion of union power in the United States, and leaders worry a significant number of members will opt out if they no longer have to pay agency fees.

Leaders have cause to be concerned. A 2016 survey of union members across 27 states by the Nevada Policy Research Institute and the Association of American Educators showed nearly one-third would opt out of union membership.

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some Connecticut unions are working behind the scenes to limit members’ ability to opt out.

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unions like AFSCME and AFT-CT have established strict windows of time when a member can opt out

[KosmicKitty]

Keep your fingers crossed. I would give anything to get out of my union which has done absolutely nothing for me but limit the number of courses I can teach and suck money out of my paycheck!