Bloomberg Law
Feb. 23, 2018, 3:45 PM

Illinois Union Challenges Duty to Represent Nonmembers

Michael J. Bologna
Michael J. Bologna
Staff Correspondent

Labor unions in Illinois shouldn’t be compelled to represent the interests of workers who refuse to pay “fair share” fees, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 says in a federal lawsuit filed Feb. 22.

The union anticipates a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in Janus v. AFSCME that will overturn public sector fair share, or agency fee, arrangements. In this new labor-management paradigm, Local 150 seeks an order striking down portions of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act that require unions to provide representational services to nonmembers.

The action, filed in the U.S. District Court for ...