Jewish MIT students win settlement against anti-Israel union over forced dues payments

In a parallel case, Foundation attorneys filed federal unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for Katerina Boukin. She opposed GSU’s ideological activities on political grounds and sought to exercise her rights under the Communications Workers of America v. Beck Supreme Court decision. The Beck ruling stipulates that non-union members cannot be compelled to pay dues for union expenses unrelated to collective bargaining.

The students achieved favorable settlements in both cases. Those with religious objections will now redirect their payments to charities such as American Friends of Magen David Adom and American Friends of Leket instead of the union. Additionally, GSU officials are required to inform all MIT graduate students about their rights under Beck via email.

Boukin expressed her discontent with GSU’s political stance: “The GSU’s political agenda has nothing to do with my research as a graduate student at MIT,” she said.

Will Sussman testified before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce in July regarding his experiences with GSU. He highlighted incidents where GSU representatives voiced support for Hamas following attacks on Israel and noted that a GSU Vice President was arrested during an anti-Israel protest but remained on paid "union leave."

Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Foundation, commented on these developments: “Forcing GSU union officials to abandon their blatantly discriminatory dues practices is only the tip of the iceberg.”

Mix emphasized ongoing legal efforts by Foundation attorneys supporting individuals challenging radical union agendas across various universities including Chicago University, Dartmouth College, and Johns Hopkins University.