In the coming weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will make a decision on Janus v. AFSCME Local 31, a case poised to change the relationship between public sector labor unions and the members they represent.
On May 1, 2018, we are hosting a live online broadcast at 11:30 a.m. (ET) of “Kitchen Table,” a roundtable discussion hosted by General President Harold Schaitberger who, along with affiliate leaders, will share experiences about what it's like to be in an atmosphere that all affiliates will face in a post-Janus world.
Janus v. AFSCME Local 31 is a challenge to a 40-year-old precedent that allows public sector labor unions in non-right to work states to collect "agency” or “fair share” fees from individuals who are part of the bargaining unit but not members of the union. It is widely expected that the Supreme Court will overturn that precedent and the agency fee will be eliminated.
Agency or fair share fees were meant to prevent non-union members from “free-riding” by enjoying the pay, benefits and protections that the union has negotiated while not contributing anything towards the union’s representational activities (bargaining, safety advocacy, grievance arbitration, contract administration, etc). When Janus becomes law, free-riding will be allowed – and while that’s wrong, it will likely soon be the law of the land for public employees.
Your IAFF has taken steps to have your backs in a post-Janus world. While there is no magic bullet for dealing with the new law, for the past few years, we have been developing and delivering training to help state/provincial and local affiliate leaders strategically plan for the future by strengthening the lines of communication with our members and showcasing the value that comes with being a member of their local and this IAFF. These successful training seminars have already been delivered to hundreds of leaders at our Affiliate Leadership Training Summits (ALTS), district and state Partnership Education Program (PEP) events, and to other district and state meetings via webcast from our E-18 studio at headquarters
In addition, in the upcoming weeks, we will bring you a series of webinars via E-18 Media to ensure that all affiliate leaders have access to the training, tools and strategies affiliates can use to build a plan and strengthen internal communications and engagement with members.
As we work to develop the next level of training to increase the strength and power of our union, the IAFF has resources already available to help you strengthen your local. To access these resources, watch the next Kitchen Table on May 1 and contact your district vice president today.