“This case has been brought to the Court by the Koch-sponsored ‘Center for Individual Rights (CIR)’—an outfit that made its reputation challenging civil rights laws. The CIR is asking the Court to break with forty years of precedent to impose radical new limits on the rights of workers to negotiate together for higher wages and better working conditions.” via Huffington Post
“Democracies are also more likely to thrive when a vibrant middle class can support them … Large inequalities of wealth can create political inequality, and vice versa. Theodore Roosevelt warned of the dangers of having “a small class of enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power.” Strong unions ameliorate extreme inequalities.” via New York Times
Should nonunion teachers be forced to pay dues? “The vastly more important issue in this case is whether the Supreme Court will undermine the ability of unions to effectively represent all of their workers at the bargaining table. The court should refuse to do so and reaffirm the Abood decision.” via Los Angeles Times
“The existence of a union and its ability to require that people pay their fair share of union dues is a reflection of majority rule. The union exists because a majority of those in that workplace voted to unionize. No one has to join that union, but all who benefit should share in paying for the collective bargaining of the union.” via OC Register
“We all benefit when worker’s voices are heard on the job. Not only has employee bargaining created better working hours and standards — recall the famous bumper sticker: “Labor: the folks who brought you the weekend” — it has also allowed Americans to retire with dignity, and to stand up for smaller classes, better-staffed hospitals, faster response times in emergencies. Those are all benefits that accrue to every American, making our communities stronger.” via Salon.com
“…organized labor is one of the few forces that works to limit corporate overreach. We hope the court doesn’t further tilt electoral politics by eroding public employee unions’ ability to fund their efforts.” via Sacramento Bee
“F is for Friedrichs and Freeloader” via Gadflyonthewallblog