Giving Compass' Take:

• After the Janus v. AFSCME decision by the Supreme Court, teachers in New York offer their opinions on paying union dues now that it cannot be legally required. 

• How can philanthropy support teachers and students going forward? How will this decision impact unions?

• Learn more about the Janus ruling. 

The predictions are dire: After the Supreme Court ruled that public employees can’t be forced to pay fees to unions, labor experts say membership and dues could dwindle by double-digit percentages.

In New York City, more than 100,000 members of the United Federation of Teachers will have to act quickly if they want to cut off their dues payments: The annual two-week window to opt out of deductions ends on Sunday.

In the wake of the ruling, we asked educators whether they plan on sticking with their union, and what issues will be important as they weigh their decision.

More than 100 teachers, paraprofessionals, retirees and other school staff responded — and the vast majority say they are holding on to their union cards. But some members also hope for changes.

I worked in North Carolina before I came to New York and saw first hand what happens when collective bargaining power is stripped from teachers and their voice is effectively shut out from policy making. Teachers suffer and students suffer. I will never (willingly) fall back into that situation.

— John McCran, teacher, Harvest Collegiate

I’m waiting to see what the next contract looks like. The UFT needs to do a better job actually representing the rank and file. But I’m willing to give them a chance to prove themselves… I feel like the UFT is really going to have to start earning its keep and representing all of its members.

— Margaret McDonald, sixth-grade special education teacher at I.S. 234 in Brooklyn

Read the full article about teachers reacting to Janus decision by Christina Veiga at Chalkbeat.