Court Upholds Union-Fee Restriction

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Washington state law barring unions from using nonmember fees for political activities without consent.

The court in a unanimous opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia said the law does not violate the union's First Amendment rights, Associated Press reports.

The law applied to unions that represent government employees in contract negotiations even though they refuse to join. The unions still collect dues from such individuals.

The Washington Education Association, which represents teachers and other education employees, had challenged the law.

The ruling is Davenport v. Washington Education Association, No. 05–1589.