Group of California public-school teachers granted certiorari in First Amendment case challenging mandatory union dues

Clients Group of California public-school teachers

On June 30, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to a group of public-school teachers represented by Jones Day. The teachers are challenging the requirement that they pay dues to the unions representing their respective districts even though they are not union members. The teachers oppose many positions that the unions take in negotiating with school officials, and contend that the First Amendment prohibits government employers from requiring employees to support speech on matters of public concern that they find objectionable.

The teachers are requesting that the Supreme Court overturn its own 1977 decision that allowed states to impose mandatory union dues. The teachers are also asking the Court to invalidate a requirement that the teachers must affirmatively opt out of union membership every year.

Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, No. 14-915 (U.S.)