Source: https://www.heartland.org/publications-resources/publications/research--commentary-how-states-are-preparing-for-scotus-janus-decision
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 01:24:35+00:00

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In this Research & Commentary, Matthew Glans discusses the upcoming Janus decision and how states are reacting to the potential changes.
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon release its decision on Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This ruling could give all state workers the choice of whether or not to join a union, forbidding rules that require workers to join a union as a condition of employment.
The legal precedence under scrutiny in Janus v. AFSCME was established in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education (DBE) more than 40 years ago. In Abood v. DBE, the court determined teachers do not have the right to fully opt out of union membership while employed in a public school system where other teachers are unionized.
In 2016, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services employee Mark Janus challenged forced unionization, arguing the union violates his rights to free speech and association.
Many observers, including public employee union leaders and state legislators, are preparing for the overturn of Abood v. DBE. A decision in favor of Janus would significantly affect the six million state and local employees across the country who are public employee union members. If the ruling falls against AFSCME, it would be important for all public employees to understand the new requirements regarding union membership and to be granted enough time to make an informed decision about their union membership status.
In an article for The Heartland Institute’s Budget & Tax News, John Eastman, founding director of the Claremont Institute’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence, argues a ruling in Janus’ favor would restore government employees’ free-speech rights. Eastman also says although public and private unions are fundamentally different, past rulings have ignored these distinctions. Janus v. AFSCME could be different because the case relies on delineating these variances.
In anticipation of the upcoming ruling many states have passed new laws, either strengthening unions or making it easier for state workers to opt out without penalties. New York recently initiated legislation that would empower unions and undermine states workers’ rights. Under current New York law, government workers who voluntarily join a union have been allowed to withdraw from having to pay the union dues deduction “at any time” by notifying their employer. A new bill would terminate the “opt out” clause and only allow workers to withdraw their dues “in accordance with the terms of the signed authorization.” The Empire Center, a nonpartisan think tank headquartered in Albany, New York warns the proposed bill could force state workers to commit financial support to a union for up to 11 months.
Another state following New York’s example is Washington State, where a new law was signed in March that mandates state collection of dues for public sector unions. And another bill in Washington would prohibit public employers from informing employees of their ability to avoid having to pay a union. Both bills reinforce the status quo and could be challenged in courts.
There are steps states can take to ensure worker rights, regardless of what the Supreme Court rules in Janus v. AFSCME. States can implement paycheck protection laws, and give workers control over their wages. States can also implement an opt-in standard for union participation, where a new worker has to choose to be in a union when they start a new job, instead of choosing to opt out. If ending the current opt-out standard is not possible, states can improve the process by requiring an opt-out only once per job or when a worker changes jobs, instead of having to wait until the end of a 12-month period.
State legislators should also ensure state employees are given ample time to make their decision whether to opt out. Unfortunately, some states have forced workers to decide their union status before they have enough time to consider all their options. It is crucial that all new state employees know their full range of options when they begin employment. State lawmakers should make certain public employees are notified when they are hired of their right to choose whether to join a union.
The following documents examine the Janus case and other right-to-work issues in greater detail.

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