The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in February on a case that could finally free public employees across the country from being forced to pay union dues. The argument by plaintiff Mark Janus, in Janus v. AFSCME, is simple but powerful: Government union activities are inherently political, and any requirement that someone support them as a condition of employment violates the First Amendment right to free speech. The court is expected to announce its decision in June.

Currently, almost 5 million public workers in the 22 states without a right-to-work law can be fired for refusing to pay union dues or agency fees to support union services. If the court rules in favor of Janus, these employees may finally have their First Amendment rights restored, along with the power to choose whether their unions receive any more money. The Mackinac Center believes that all workers deserve this opportunity. We believe that all workers should have a voice.

To help workers understand the issues, the Center has launched My Pay My Say, a national outreach and education effort. Through it, we will educate concerned public employees about the potential impact of the case and how they may freely exercise any rights restored to them by the court’s forthcoming ruling.

My Pay My Say will serve government workers by telling them the following truths:

• Public employees should not be pressured or threatened to pay a union as a condition of employment.
• Workers deserve a choice and a voice when it comes to union representation.
• Government unions operate in a politicized environment and should thus not be allowed to force employees to financially support them.
• Unions should not pressure workers to sign away constitutional rights that may be restored under a pro-Janus ruling.

To find out more about My Pay My Say, visit mypaymysay.com.