County GOP honors teacher challenging union fees

By Joshua Stewart 

March 28, 2016

Teacher whose Supreme Court case might change unions receives award

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Republicans have honored the lead plaintiff in a Supreme Court case that has the potential to change the role organized labor has in politics and the workplace.

Rebecca Friedrichs, the Orange County teacher who brought Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, received the county GOP’s Torch of Freedom award at the political group’s Lincoln Reagan Dinner at the Hilton Bayfront on Saturday.

Friedrichs sued the teachers union and argued that the labor organization should not be able to collect “agency fees” from its members. These fees, which pay for contract negotiations, amount to political speech, she argued, and being compelled to pay the fees violated her free speech rights. Her opponents argue that allowing members to forgo dues will result in members who benefit from union representation but do not contribute to the union’s expenses.

The Supreme Court heard the case on Jan. 11, and if justices side with Friedrichs, workers would not have to pay the agency fees, potentially weakening unions’ financial footing, but allowing workers who disagree with the union to stop paying fees.

The case, while significant on its own, has drawn attention because it may be headed for a 4-4 decision due to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalia seemed poised to reject a decision of a lower court and decide in Friedrichs’ favor, but his death on Feb. 13 means the court will likely be split and the lower court’s decision will stand.

San Diego Republicans gave 21 other awards at the dinner, and bestowed honors on politicians, campaign workers and party operatives. Recipients include:

▪ Poway Mayor Steve Vaus: Local Elected Official of the Year

▪ Escondido Mayor Sam Abed: Taxpayer Champion of the Year

▪ San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith: Lifetime Achievement Award

Party Chairman Tony Krvaric said recipients are selected by the local party’s leadership.

The annual dinner had around 750 attendees and has grown every year for at least five years, Krvaric said. It raised around $405,000 this year through sponsorships and ticket sales, up from around $351,000 last year.

“It’s grown every year and we’ve outgrown every facility except for the Hilton Bayfront now,” Krvaric said.

Most of the funds will go to supporting Republicans in the general election in November, he said.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, was the keynote speaker.