In a 7-2 decision that will have huge implications for how unions fund political campaigns in many states, the U.S. Supreme Court today overturned the unreliable Ninth Circuit and found that public sector unions can not confiscate due from non-union workers for use in political campaigns, including both direct support for candidates and issue advocacy. Justice Samual Alito wrote the majority opinion in Knox vs. Service Employees.

Public-sector unions have the right under the First Amendment to express their views on political and social issues without government interference. But employees who choose not to join a union have the same rights. The First Amendment creates a forum in which all may seek, without hindrance or aid from the State, to move public opinion and achieve their political goals…. Therefore, when a public-sector union imposes a special assessment or dues increase, the union must provide a fresh Hudson notice and may not exact any funds from nonmembers without their affirmative consent.

Justices Sotomayor and Ginsberg concurred more narrowly.