Source: https://www.cta.org/friedrichs
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 04:31:54+00:00

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Within this wrap-up video that captures the energy of the day, CTA President Eric Heins reflects on proceedings at the Friedrichs v. CTA hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court on January 11.
Friedrichs v. CTA and the Case for Fair Share: Get the real story in our online guide, complete with source documents, articles, videos and resource materials.
Teachers discuss the importance of unionism and how having a collective voice helps them to better serve their students.
A group called Center for Individual Rights is trying to make it harder for teachers and other public service workers to have a voice in fighting for decent benefits and wages. Tell the CIR to STOP attacking working people and their unions.
"With that collective voice, we can have conversations with the district that we probably wouldn't be able to have otherwise and do it while engaging our communities, our parents and out students."
DECISION: WORKING FAMILIES VICTORIOUS! ON JUNE 28, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT DENIED PLAINTIFF'S REQUEST TO REHEAR THE CASE, WHICH WAS AFFIRMED IN FAVOR OF CTA BY A TIE VOTE IN THE LOWER COURT ON MARCH 29.
The Court's decision to not rehear Friedrichs v. CTA means the case is over. It will not be reheard or carried over to next Court term. The lower court ruling stands and CTA prevails - case closed.
March 29 decision upholds a mandate that has been in effect for more than 40 years and affords America's workers, including educators across California, the opportunity to come together to improve their working and student learning conditions.
This decision is a victory for educators and all public employees, but most importantly a victory for the millions of students of California and across the U.S. By having the ability to join together to make our voices heard on issues that affect all of us – such as quality and safe schools, and healthy school environments for our kids – we ensure that our public schools remain strong and our students get the quality public education they need and deserve.
A lawsuit that would hurt working families and threatens to silence the collective voice of teachers and other union members was heard before highest court in the land on January 11.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard how Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association seeks to make it harder for educators to come together to bargain for smaller class sizes, safer schools, and better learning environments for all students. The plaintiffs seek to overturn common sense jurisprudence established in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education in 1977, which allows states and localities the freedom to choose whether all public employees should pay their fair share for the employment representation they receive.
Hundreds of amici (friends of the court) - representing all levels of government, public officials, civil rights organizations, academic experts, and others - filed 24 briefs amici curiae with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of CTA.
The original lawsuit was filed on April 30, 2013, in federal court in Santa Ana, seeking to overturn agency fees as an unconstitutional violation of non-members’ First Amendment rights. The suit, which is backed by big money corporate special interests, also contends that it is unconstitutional for unions to require non-members to “opt out” of supporting non-chargeable expenditures. Learn more on agency - or Fair Share - fees.
In addition to the amici briefs, CTA and NEA - together with a number of unions - filed respondents' brief for the case. Read the summary of the respondents' brief, and review blog posts about the amici briefs filed by AFT & AAUP, AFL-CIO & AFSCME, and Constitutional Law Professors in support of CTA. You can also check the summary of all 24 Amici briefs representing hundreds of "friends of the court" supporters here.
Out in full force on January 11, educators and community activists demonstrated their support of teachers and other working people as the U.S. Supreme Court heard Friedrichs v. CTA. View NEA's FlickR feed of various images from the day.
You can also watch a video of attorney David C. Frederick speaking after his appearance before the justices.
I am a proud union member for many reasons but primarily because of what belonging to a union allows me to do for my kids. I’ve seen, firsthand, that my voice is heard through the collective bargaining process and the results ensure our students have the quality public schools they deserve right in their own backyards.
The Friedrichs case threatens to do away with my colleagues’ and my ability to stand up for our students and come up with ways to improve their learning conditions. After coming such a long way it would be a travesty to lose those rights that ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed today and tomorrow.
These are the students that my union and I fight for every day. As budget cuts forced many schools across California and the entire country to close their libraries, we were able to ensure that Hayward students still had access to these essential resources and support by working with parents and community members through the union.
I am a teacher in Northern California. In my school, most of the students are from low-income families - or have no family at all. They are living in high-violence neighborhoods, and are therefore dealing with great distress. Our school psychologist says that many suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the high crime in and around their lives. That makes me a parent, counselor, and comforter.
My union has made it possible for me to better serve my students through trainings, support, collective bargaining, and much more.
Join Mr. Marques in sharing how the union helps you!
From pre-K through high school and beyond, educators make a difference in people’s lives. They inspire, encourage and challenge. They counsel and comfort. They change – and sometimes save – lives. In so many cases, the union has made it possible – through trainings, legislation, support, collective bargaining, political activity, and much more – for educators to not just teach, but to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Educators have stories to tell: touching and compelling stories. Unique stories. Please tell your story – and how your union has helped you to better serve your students.
Unions’ right to determine membership withstands corporate legal assault in attempt to silence working men and women in Bain v CTA.
Public employees across the nation have joined ranks in support of America Works Together, a new coalition to protect the rights of public service workers to negotiate and support each other. These longstanding rights are under renewed attack from wealthy special interests in Friedrichs v. CTA. Watch compelling new video featuring actor and SAG-AFTRA member Bradley Whitford.

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