Pro-union rally planned Monday in Greensburg ahead of U.S. Supreme Court hearing

Feb. 24--Westmoreland County union leaders will gather Monday in Greensburg to protest a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision they fear could cripple the future of organized labor.

The protest comes the same day the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on a lawsuit brought by an Illinois government worker seeking to overturn a ruling that says government workers have to pay union dues even if they are not members. Fair-share fees are supposed to cover costs of collective bargaining and grievance procedures for workplace complaints.

The Supreme Court split 4-4 after hearing a similar case in 2016, just a month after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. His vacancy has since been filled by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was appointed last year by President Trump.

More than 300 pro-labor rallies are expected to be conducted throughout the country on Monday calling for the court to rule in favor of the union.

Local union leaders and community members, including County Commissioner Ted Kopas, are scheduled to speak at the 4 p.m. rally at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.

"I believe people have the right to organize," Kopas said. "We are interested in good paying family jobs. Organized labor is a great way to achieve that."

Most of Westmoreland County's 1,800 government workers are represented by unions, including 486 employees at Westmoreland Manor who are members of Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania chapter and another 800 at the courthouse and other county departments who are part of the SEIU Local 668.

SEIU Healthcare Pa member Stefanie Henry, a unit clerk and certified aide at Westmoreland Manor, said she will speak at Monday's rally.

"It's a horrible feeling to work so hard at something, but still not be able to feel secure in your position," Henry said. "But this is precisely why America needs unions. We should always be allowed to advocate for the importance of our roles, fight for changes that improve our nursing homes and care for residents without fear of punishment."

Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-830-6293 or [email protected].

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