The Supreme Court dealt a major blow on Wednesday to organized labor. By a 5-to-4 vote, with the more conservative justices in the majority, the court ruled that government workers who choose not to join unions may not be required to help pay for collective bargaining.
Following that decision, Justice Kennedy announced his retirement effective July 31, 2018. Kennedy was named to the court by President Reagan but has been the swing vote on many issues often voting with the liberals.
Both of these are devastating blows to Democrats.
Trump will now have a chance to name a Gorsuch-like replacement for Kennedy. And, McConnell can use the same nuclear option to get that person confirmed just like the did with Gorsuch. The system initiated by one Harry Reid. Another 50- year old Justice who can serve for 30 years.
On August 16, 1937, FDR wrote, “All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service,” he wrote. “It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management.” “the employer,” Roosevelt’s letter added, “is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in many instances restricted, by laws which establish polices, procedure, or rules in personnel matter.”
The great state of Illinois teeters on the brink of bankruptcy because public employees were allowed to join unions and mandated to pay dues whether they joined or not. The result has been far too generous pensions and benefits for public employees. The dues go to political contributions for elected officials who get reelected and continue to add to the pension crisis. Taxes get raised to cover the deficit, people leave the state included retired pubic employees, benefits get raised more, and so it goes.
This ruling will drain billions from the coffers of unions that support the Democratic Party and their generous treatment of public employees.
A great day for Republicans at the Supreme Court. And, a great tomorrow.
