When Mark Janus began a new job as a state employee in Illinois, he never dreamt that his fight against mandatory union fees would take him to the Supreme Court. Upon receiving his first paycheck, Janus noticed a deduction for union dues he never agreed to that “represented” him on views he didn’t agree with. This led him to question the fundamental rights of workers and the legality of mandatory union fees.

When he discovered he couldn’t leave his union, and in fact had to pay the fees to keep his job, Janus decided to sue. His case, Janus v. AFSCME, was a simple question of individual freedom that was eventually brought all the way to the Supreme Court. 

Despite the intimidation and threats he faced, Janus’s resolve never wavered. Through Mark’s perspective, we gain insight into the state of post-Janus union dynamics. His advocacy work emphasizes the need for employees to be aware of their rights and for unions to adapt to a modern landscape where the value they provide is measured not by political influence, but by the direct benefits they offer to their members.

You can learn more about and support Mark’s work at www.libertyjusticecenter.org.

Read more of our blogs here!