Calif. Teachers Sue to Escape Union Fees

Say it violates their free-speech rights

Ten California schoolteachers filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the politically powerful California Teachers Association to escape paying union fees that they claim violate their free-speech rights.

The teachers — represented by the conservative Center for Individual Rights — are taking aim at laws that allow unions to collect certain fees from workers who don't want to join. The lawsuit argues that the fees end up supporting union lobbying and political activity, not contract negotiations as intended.