Supreme Court Ruling Affects Maine Public Sector Unions

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that it is a violation of the First Amendment to require public sector employees to pay union dues if they do not wish to even when they benefit from collective bargaining. Maine is one of 20 states which require all public employees who are eligible to join a union to pay dues even if they object. That law will now be voided. Many employees will now choose not to pay those dues but still receive the benefits and protections negotiated between municipalities, schools, and unions. The viability of public sector unions is in serious jeopardy going forward as it is questionable whether unions will receive enough dues from their members to cover costs and provide any actual advantages for employees.