State Workers to Appeal Union Fees Case to US Supreme Court

AP

March 21, 2017

CHICAGO (AP) — Two state workers who joined Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's lawsuit arguing labor unions shouldn't be allowed to collect fees from non-members say they're appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower-court ruling Tuesday that allowed unions to collect the "fair share" fees from workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.

The U.S. Supreme Court has previously found the fees constitutional. The justices split 4-4 on another case challenging the fees last year.

Jacob Huebert, an attorney for the Illinois workers, says they're pleased the ruling could allow the issue to be before the Supreme Court again.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees President Lee Saunders says Tuesday's ruling protects workers' rights.

Rauner sued to halt the fees in 2015. It's was a move critics called an attack on organized labor.

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Hopefully the Supreme Court - rule it a nationwide law - no one should be forced to pay to work.