IMPACT OF THE JANUS V. AFSCME SUPREME COURT DECISION
Ben Barth
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE IMPACT OF JANUS V. AFSCME SUPREME COURT DECISION
After reviewing the U.S. Supreme Court decision (Janus v. AFSCME) issued on June 27, 2018 with our legal staff, LAW would like to address our position to our Law Enforcement Members and our WPEA members on the affects.
This decision from the U.S. Supreme Court changes a 41-year-old precedent in which public employees are no longer required to pay their fair share to their elected representative to cover the costs of collective bargaining. To be clear, for our members that continue to pay their fair share, there will be no loss or changes to your benefits offered by LAW. However, those members who make the decision to stop paying their fair share, will lose certain benefits as discussed below.
As stated above, members that decide to continue to pay their fair share will see no change or reduction in LAW’s services. We will continue to represent all fair share paying members in all aspects above and beyond the cost of collective bargaining. Examples of those benefits are as follows:
Legal Representation to members who are involved in critical incidents. Currently, LAW pays all legal services for incidents such as officer involved shootings and Use-Of-Force inquiries.
Discipline representation up to and including challenging discipline to your Police and Fire Commissions or Law Enforcement Committees.
Assistance in matters not relating to the Collective Bargaining, such as questions relating to the Department of Employees Trust Funds, which include the Wisconsin Retirement System and the State Health Insurance Program, Worker’s Compensation and Duty Disability.
Access to wide-ranging benefits provided to LAW’s members including Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, as well as our VEBA Trust, which helps offset healthcare costs at retirement.
Access to our Health Insurance Consultant for issues relating to insurance.
Discounted Attorney Fees for matters outside of employment.
LAW’s pocket calendar.
Members that make the decision to opt out of paying their fair share, will lose the benefits listed above.
It continues to be our duty and goal to provide our members with services that go above and beyond what the Collective Bargaining Agreement permits.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Benjamin M. Barth
President
Labor Association of Wisconsin, Inc.