U.S. Supreme Court defends workers’ rights

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court, down to eight justices after the death of Antonin Scalia, split 4-4 on the Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association case. The split decision affirms a lower-court ruling that allows public-employee unions to continue collecting “fair share membership” dues for those it represents who decline to join the union.

This is a great win for public employees, including Washington State Nurses Association members at public hospitals and facilities around the state.

American Nurses Association President Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, hailed the decision:

“The American Nurses Association is gratified by the Court’s decision in the Friedrichs case, which upholds public employee unions’ right to collect ‘fair share’ fees to support collective bargaining. This ruling is a victory for hard-working Americans who benefit from better wages, benefits and improved working conditions achieved through collective bargaining. Despite this win, we know that efforts to erode hard won rights will continue, and we remain vigilant and committed to protecting nurses’ legal right to organize and bargain collectively.”

The Friedrichs case is only the latest in a string of attacks against unions by wealthy special interests and organizations like the Center for Individual Rights and the Freedom Foundation that want to make it harder for working people to come together, speak up and get ahead. By affirming the lower court decision, the U.S. Supreme Court did not create a precedent, and more legal challenges are expected.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said that the fight is far from over:

“Millions of working people who understand the importance of their unions in bettering their lives and the well-being of their communities are breathing a sigh of relief today. Even so, we know this fight is far from over. Just as our opponents won’t stop coming after us, we will continue full speed ahead in our effort to mobilize our members and their neighbors around a shared vision to reclaim the promise of America. While we wait for Senate Republicans to do their job and appoint a new justice to the [Supreme] Court, we’re working hard for the future we want to see—one with vibrant public education from pre-K through college; affordable, accessible health care; public services that support strong neighborhoods; and the right to organize and bargain for a fair wage and a voice on the job.”