As I (kind of) predicted last year, the Supreme Court has invalidated compulsory fair share provisions for public sector employee unions. As I promised, I have effective today, June 28, 2018, rejoined the union despite the fact that I do not support it. The reasons I have joined are two:
First, I have personally benefited in many ways, directly and indirectly. It would be wrong, in my opinion, to forbear paying and yet receive benefit, absent any compelling reason.
Second, there has been no compelling reason. The union, its leaders, and its members have refrained from doing anything unconscionable. With very few exceptions--such as anyone must expect from an organization of this sort--the union's members have refrained from the types of antagonistic confrontation against dissenters in which other unions sometimes engage.
In fact, the few times I have raised my concerns about the union, I received an empathetic hearing even if my interlocutors disagreed with me. And when I rescinded my membership back in November 2015, the union rep cheerfully went out of their way to return my membership card and while they expressed hope I might rejoin, they didn't pressure or harangue me.
I may or may not comment later on the Janus decision itself. I'm still reading it and I haven't made up my mind about whether or not I agree with it. I just wish to say now that while I disagree strongly with my colleagues who choose to support the union, I appreciate the opportunity to be their colleague and am grateful for every day I can work with them at UIC.
