Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/556394
By Katharine Fong The Case for Fair Share Friedrichs v. CTA lawsuit jeopardizes our collective voice "We are disappointed that at a time when big corporations and the wealthy few are rewriting the rules in their favor, knocking American families and our entire economy off-balance, the Supreme Court has chosen to take a case that threatens the fundamental promise of America — that if you work hard and play by the rules you should be able to provide for your family and live a decent life. "The Supreme Court is revisiting decisions that have made it possible for people to stick together for a voice at work and in their communities — decisions that have stood for more than 35 years — and that have allowed people to work together for better public services and vibrant communities. "When people come together in a union, they can help make sure that our communities have jobs that support our families. It means teachers can stand up for their students. First responders can push for critical equipment to protect us. And social workers can advocate effectively for children's safety. "America can't build a strong future if people can't come together to improve their work and their families' futures. Moms and dads across the country have been standing up in the thousands to call for higher wages and unions. We hope the Supreme Court heeds their voices." Statement by CTA President Eric C. Heins, NEA President Lily Eskelsen García, AFT (American Federation of Teachers) President Randi Weingarten, AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employ- ees) President Lee Saunders, and SEIU (Service Employees International Union) President Mary Kay Henry, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to review Friedrichs v. CTA. Educators respond 2013 of the Friedrichs case April 29, 2013 The Center for Individual Rights (CIR) files suit in a U.S. District Court on behalf of Rebecca Friedrichs and nine other California teachers and the Christian Educators Association International. The suit challenges CTA's right to collect fair share fees from nonmembers to cover the costs of representation. TIMELINE T he U.S. Supreme Court will hear Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association in its session next year, with a deci- sion expected in June 2016. The lawsuit challenges CTA's right to collect fair share fees (the equivalent of union dues) from nonmembers to cover the costs of representation, such as negotiating contracts. 36 cta.org Advocacy