Catherwood LibraryILR School

A recent lawsuit filed by an employee of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Mark Janus, against the American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME) could lead to an overhaul of how American labor unions function. Janus disagrees with AFSCME taking a cut of his paycheck as he does not support the union’s past endorsements of certain political candidates and feels that he should not have to contribute to an organization he does not feel represents him. After the suit (Janus v. AFSCME) was struck down by the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, it became eligible for appeal to the Supreme Court. Should the Supreme Court choose to take on this case, it is possible that they might rule in favor of Janus, who would claim, like Rebecca Friedrichs in 2016, that these compulsory dues to the union violate his First Amendment rights. The outcome of this case could critically affect how all unions operate, especially given the recent appointment of conservative-leaning Justice Neil Gorsuch.