Three state employees want to join Gov. Bruce Rauner's lawsuit against Illinois labor unions, saying they shouldn't be forced to pay dues because they aren't union members.
The workers filed a motion Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. They say the requirement they pay "fair share" dues violates their First Amendment rights.
Rauner issued an executive order in February ending the dues. He also sued more than two dozen unions in federal court.
The unions have filed their own lawsuit against Rauner in state court, saying he exceeded his authority and his order violates Illinois law. They also asked a federal judge to dismiss Rauner's federal lawsuit.
The fair share dues are intended to cover the cost of non-political union activities that benefit non-members, such as collective bargaining.
