Just because the U-S Supreme Court says government employees can’t be forced to pay union dues, doesn’t put the issue to rest in Minnesota. Denise Specht (SPECK), president of the Education Minnesota teachers union, contends even those who do not join a union benefit from it. “They know that they can’t show up to a potluck for free. I mean, it’s kind of a Minnesota value,” Specht says.
Kim Crockett with the Minnesota-based conservative think tank, Center of the American Experiment, is apparently concerned that state government might skirt the U-S Supreme Court ruling. Crockett says, “We are calling on the governor and legislature, today, to start talking about how they can streamline and simplify the process of opting out for public employees.”
Governor Mark Dayton strongly disagrees with the Supreme Court decision. His management and budget commissioner says the department is reviewing the high court’s ruling and “will take any necessary steps to ensure Minnesota is in full compliance with the law.”