Hundreds of union supporters rally at State Capitol

In what they're calling a "Working People's Day of Action," hundreds of labor union leaders, members and supporters packed the rotunda of the State Capitol on Saturday morning to draw attention to a U.S. Supreme Court case that could deliver a major blow to organized labor.

Those gathered heard impassioned speeches from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, faith leaders and others.

In Janus vs. AFSCME Council 31, to be heard by the high court on Monday, the justices will consider whether public sector unions may require workers who aren't members to pay dues to help with collective bargaining. Union advocates say mandatory dues are justified because nonmembers benefit from their efforts, and that without it, unions would be unfairly damaged. Their critics say that the requirement squashes individual choices and beliefs.

The same question was before the justices last year in Friedrichs vs. California Teachers Association, and they seemed poised to rule against the unions when the case was argued in January 2016. But the death of Justice Antonin Scalia the next month resulted in a 4-to-4 deadlock.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/union-supporters-rally-at-state-capitol/475047833/