The Supreme Court ruled in a five-to-four decision that unions cannot fine employees who resign their union membership during a strike and return to work in violation of union rules. The case involved a seven- month strike by the Pattern Makers’ League against clothing companies in Illinois and Wisconsin. The union had a rule prohibiting resignations during a strike and enforced it by fining 10 employees the approximate amount they earned after they returned to work during the strike. The Court, upholding the view of the National Labor Relations Board, said that imposing fines and other restrictions on employees who quit the union during a strike “impairs the policy of voluntary unionism.” Source: Adapted from Stephen Wermiel, “Justices Rule Unions Can’t Fine Members Who Quit, Resume Work during a Strike,” The Wall Street Journal, June 28, 1985.
Questions
1. Do you think unions should be able to restrict resignations during a strike? Why or why not? 2. Do you think this decision has had any effect on union membership?