SCOTUS Case Friedrichs is a Trojan Horse - Let's Talk Real Freedom in the Workplace - a podcast by Laura Flanders

The Supreme Court is considering the most important labor case in years.

Friedrichs vs. California Teachers Association, ostensibly addresses public workers rights on the job, specifically their right not to support their union.


The plaintiffs argue that the sum they pay to the union that represents them violates their free speech and free association rights. In their view, they shouldn’t have to give money to a union whose political actions they oppose - even if there’s already a process for opting out of those activities — it’s all about freedom, they say.


Many have pointed out that “free speech" in this case is cover for an attack on collective bargaining — people together doing what they can’t do individually. The ramifications of all those lost contributions on public workers unions, and public workers - are obvious.


But if the justices really want to tal about freedom in the workplace -- let's go there.


Most workers have no freedom when it comes to hours or wages or working conditions. Many are told what to wear and what to do; even when they may go to the bathroom. In a capitalist system, you could say individuals are free to take a job or quit it. But in a work-or-die economy, there’s not much free choice involved.


If you want real democracy in the workplace. You can build that, as we hear from the people on this program who are involved in worker owned enterprises and cooperatives. where every worker has a say. But if you want real democracy in the workplace, you have to democratize ownership,


Friedrichs is a Trojan Horse attack on unions and collective bargaining. But a real national conversation about freedom in the workplace? We could go there. A whole lot of people working for a new and different economic system would say -- Bring it on.


You can watch our interview with Janelle Orsi and Mickey Metts on building the commons on the Internet on The Laura Flanders Show on KCET/LINKtv and TeleSUR and find all my interviews and reports at LauraFlanders.com To tell me what you think, write to Laura@lauraflanders.com.

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