Spring 2017 -- Stroock Reports -- Public Employee Law

WITH AMERICA'S ATTENTION ON SUPREME COURT NOMINATION, CONGRESS PUSHES FEDERAL "RIGHT-TO-WORK" BILL

By Alan M. Klinger, co-managing partner, Dina Kolker, special counsel, and Arthur J. Herskowitz, associate, in the Litigation and Government Relations Practice Groups of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP.

An examination of intensifying efforts to pass federal and state "right-to-work" legislation amid a backdrop of judicial fair share fee challenges, and the potential consequences for public and private unions.

Overview

With all eyes on the pending consideration of Supreme Court nominee 10th Circuit Judge Neil Gorsuch, and the political spectacle of the "stolen seat," many have largely ignored this administration's most potent agent for change in the sphere of labor law – Congress. Most recently, congressional Republicans introduced two bills, H.R. 744, styled the "Truth in Employment Act of 2017," which would amend the National Labor Relations Act ("NLRA") to allow