Unions in Massachusetts aren’t used to losing. But on Monday, they gathered to protest what they believe is an inevitable assault on collective bargaining rights — a fight they almost certainly know they won’t win.
As unions in other states have seen their power sapped by right-to-work laws and curbs on collective bargaining rights, Massachusetts union leaders have said they are bracing for their own crushing blow, to be delivered by the US Supreme Court.
A case the court heard Monday will decide whether public sector unions in Massachusetts and 21 other states can charge nonmembers a fee to cover the costs of collective bargaining.