Fresno County court sues union in attempt to end court reporter strike

The Fresno County Superior Court filed a lawsuit against the union representing its court reporters in an ongoing labor strike, claiming the union violated a previous agreement and asking a judge to deem the strike illegal.

The lawsuit, filed in the Fresno court on Thursday, asks for a judge to issue a temporary restraining order and instruct the Service Employees International Union Local 521, which represents the court reporters, to end the strike. The strike began Tuesday with an estimated 200-250 employees walking off the job.

“The strike against the court is unlawful under the common law because it hinders, delays, and interferes with the court’s duties and obligations to administer justice and to provide essential services,” wrote Bay Area attorney Suzanne Price, who represents the Fresno court.

The lawsuit does not accuse the SEIU of breaking any specific coded law. It instead references common law, which refers to non-codified legal precedents established over several centuries.

Read more here: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article224866980.html