Corns v. Laborers International Union

**Union Member Wins Case Over Improper Dues Increase** This case involved a dispute between a union member named Corns and the Laborers International Union over how the union raised membership dues. The union's District Council voted to increase dues, but this decision affected members of Local 166 who weren't allowed to participate in the vote. Corns argued this violated federal labor law, specifically the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), which governs how unions must operate democratically. The court initially ruled against Corns, but he appealed to a higher court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision, agreeing that the dues increase was improper because it affected union members who couldn't vote on it. The case was sent back to the lower court, which ordered the union to pay Corns $126,562.50 in attorney's fees and costs. The union had already returned the improperly collected dues to affected members. This ruling matters because it reinforces workers' rights to democratic participation in their unions. Union members must have a voice in decisions that affect them financially, like dues increases. The case shows that courts will enforce these rights and hold unions accountable when they violate democratic procedures.