Catherwood LibraryILR School

Unions celebrate Labor Day this year with deep apprehension as a landmark labor case makes its way to the Supreme Court. Later this month the Supreme Court will decide if it will take on Mark Janus v. AFSCME, a case involving an Illinois state employee who is suing the union for violating his first amendment rights because he must pay union dues despite disagreeing with the union. Public sector unions—strongholds of the US labor movement— will face a huge financial setback if the Supreme Court decides to take on Janus’ case and rule in his favor. With union membership continuing to decline and local governments across the country moving towards ‘right to work’ policies, Janus v. AFSCME could severely dampen financial security for millions of unionized workers in the U.S.