The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in a landmark case that could potentially limit teachers’ unions from collecting fees from non-members. New Haven has joined an amicus brief filed in the case.
A California teacher argues that requiring a non-member to pay agency fees violates her First Amendment Rights. She said that unions often have a political agenda.
But David Cicarella, President of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, said this is not about joining the union. No one can be forced to join. It’s about what they call fair share fees.
"Everyone benefits," Cicarella said. "So, not only wages and medical benefits are negotiated, but working conditions as well: Class size, hours of the day, professional responsibilities. The agency fees, or the fair share fees, asks folks to contribute."
Cicarella said that all teachers operate under the same contract with the same protections and representation by the union.
A decision is expected by summer.
