New York, New Jersey Strategies Keep Forced Dues Pouring In
New York and New Jersey union officials’ political power, garnered through their ability to force teachers and others to pay dues, is taking on a new character now that the Janus v. AFSCME Local 31 decision is close. Katherine Landergan and Andrew Hanna have the story in politico.com.
New York and New Jersey officials are pursuing an end-run around Janus v. AFSCME, a case that could give government workers across all states the option of declining to pay union fees even if they benefit from that union‘s contract negotiations. Pro- and anti-union partisans alike anticipate the court is likely to rule against the unions — a decision that labor leaders fear will shrink their bank accounts and, in turn, their power.
New York passed a provision in NY A9509 (17R) that makes it harder for people to opt out of paying union dues by letting unions set the terms for refusals and allows union representatives to recruit new employees during the workday. New Jersey just enacted a similar measure through legislation.
