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911 operators in Chicago assert their rights over union dues deductions

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911 operators in Chicago assert their rights over union dues deductions
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Milton L. Chappell | Staff Attorney (1976-Present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

In a recent case involving the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 21, 911 operator Patricia Whittaker successfully halted union dues deductions that were being taken without her consent. This marks another victory for Chicago 911 operators in asserting their constitutional rights under the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision.

Patricia Whittaker, employed by the City of Chicago, sought legal assistance from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation after IBEW Local 21 officials continued deducting dues from her paycheck despite her objections. Whittaker invoked her First Amendment rights, citing the 2018 Supreme Court ruling which determined that public sector employees could not be forced to support union dues as a condition of employment, requiring unions to obtain explicit consent from employees before making such deductions.

Foundation attorneys filed unfair labor practice charges with the Illinois Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). As a result, the union ceased their demands for dues and acknowledged its missteps. Throughout her ordeal, Whittaker was caught in a back-and-forth between her employer and the union, both attributing the authority to stop the deductions to each other.

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This case follows a similar incident in June 2024, where Rhonda Younkins, another Chicago 911 employee, successfully fought against non-consensual dues deductions by IBEW Local 21, with assistance from Foundation attorneys. The broader implications of the Janus ruling have seen many public employees discontinue union dues payments, with ongoing legal cases reinforcing the importance of their First Amendment rights.

National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix commented on the incident: “The behavior of IBEW Local 21 union officials highlight just how crucial it is for public employees to be aware of, and assert, their Janus rights.” He added that while the Foundation is committed to defending workers' rights, it is unfortunate that legal intervention is necessary for unions to acknowledge these constitutional freedoms.

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