Members of BTU, CUB, and BCFPE joined with their sisters and brothers in the labor movement to stand in opposition to the Friedrichs case before the Supreme Court. The case seeks to answer whether non members of public sector unions should pay "agency fees" or "fair share" for the pay and benefits negotiated on their behalf by the union. Speakers and signs urged people to #WorkTogether in the fight for fairness and opportunity.
The case is hotly contested and the decision is expected to be a "5-4 decision" meaning that one justice may swing the balance of power for public sector unions. Union activists came from across the nation to show their support and solidarity for their sisters and brothers in public sector labor. There were competing arguments outside the court as well as inside. Outside, the two sides both had speakers presenting their positions, but all remained respectful and nonviolent.
A decision is not expected to be made until June 2016, but unions across the country are imploring their members to keep a close eye on the court's decision. Public sector unions want to ensure that all who are affected by collectively bargained contracts contribute to the efforts to negotiate that contract. The case is ramping up organizing efforts in the state of Maryland as well as across the nation as labor in the public sector braces for a potential hit.
For more photos from the event, visit AFT-Maryland's Facebook page.
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