Oral Arguments in Friedrichs

Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the public-sector agency fee case, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association.  The oral argument transcript hasn't been released yet, but based on news accounts, it didn't sound good for the unions.  In particular,  Justice Scalia's comments seemed to shote down hope that might continue to express skepticism at overruling Abood.  It's, of course, never certain that the oral argument predicts a final decision, but public-sector unions should start making backup plans.

If the Court does overrule Abood it will be interesting if it holds, as some justices suggested at arguments, that all public-sector bargaining over terms and conditions of employment is political.  Does that mean that public-sector employees are entitled to First Amendment protection when they speak out about working conditions?  That hasn't usually been the case, but if that changes, it will be a silver-lining for some employees, especially those working in states without public-sector labor law.  Also, will outlawing agency fees create more of a move toward members-only bargaining?  For instance, will we see public-sector unions argue that free riding is unconstitutional (e.g., a takings?).

Stay tuned.

-JH