[Tall_Texan]

There is peer pressure primarily. But, in many "closed shop" states, you *must* belong to a union to be accepted for certain jobs.

What I want to know is how the union can justify an annual exam for opting out of dues-paying when these slackers take nine months just to finish the paperwork.

BTW, the courts have ruled in other cases that union members can prohibit their dues being used for political purposes if the union member disagrees with the union's political agenda. There was a suit against the Communication Workers of America that the Supremes ruled in favor of about ten years ago which focused on that very issue.

[Judith Anne]

Thanks for your informative response...Hubby taught for 10 years, (quit 20 years ago) so my question was largely rhetorical, but your answer made it worth asking. ;-D

[LarryLied]

The famous Beck Decision which Reno refused to enforce.