This post was authored by Erik M. Cuadros.

Public-sector employers and unions anxiously await the outcome of Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, a case currently pending before the United States Supreme Court. Janus challenges agency shop arrangements and public sector unions’ right to collect what are known as “service” or “fair share” fees. 

US-Supreme-Court_2.jpgThis post was authored by Kristin D. Lindgren

As we have previously reported, most recently on January 28, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association.  Friedrichs challenged the right of public employee organizations in California to require public employees to pay “agency shop” fees.  An “agency shop” arrangement

AnotherGavel.jpgWhen the MMBA first took effect in 1968, there was no provision for the financial support of employee organizations or unions.  Many employee organizations had few ways to convince employees to join the organization and support it with member dues.  Thus, the concept of an “agency shop” was born.  Agency shop arrangements require employees, as

US Supreme Court_2.jpgCalifornians will remember the special election called by former Governor Schwarzenegger in 2005 on eight ballot propositions he endorsed.  The initiative measures covered diverse issues including teacher tenure, abortions, government finance and legislative redistricting. One proposition dealt with public employee union dues and would have prohibited unions from using dues for political contributions without obtaining