Almost eight years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that government and other public sector workers can’t be forced to pay union dues. That’s because unions frequently spend the money on politics and not all of the members agree on who’s supported. But all these years later, the battles between employees and their unions continue. Today, Mikinzie Frost reports on a legal challenge mounted by two teachers in New Jersey.Marie Dupont has been a teacher for 20 years in New Jersey, spending the majority of her career at this school near Newark.
The following is a transcript of a report from “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson.”Watch the video by clicking the link at the end of the page.
Marie Dupont has been a teacher for 20 years in New Jersey, spending the majority of her career at this school near Newark.
Until recently, she was also a member of the New Jersey Education Association – the state’s largest and most influential public employee union with more than 200,000 members.
Her obligation to the union hasn’t come cheap – with dues to the tune of $1,500 annually.
But now – Dupont and fellow New Jersey teacher Ann Marie Pocklembo are suing their union – alleging leadership siphoned members’ money to support the union’s president – Sean Spiller – in his unsuccessful run for governor of New Jersey in 2025.
Sean Spiller for NJ Campaign Ad: We got to make sure we’ve got quality early education, child care. That is why I’m asking you to stand with me right now as I run to be the next governor of New Jersey.
Marie Dupont: We did not give them permission to do that, to use our money to back up President Spiller’s political campaign.
Dupont says when she joined the union – she was given options about campaign cash.
She could either check a box to voluntarily contribute to the union’s political causes – or leave it unchecked. Dupont says she left the box unchecked.
Source: Sharyl Attkisson
