originally i challenged this. In 2017 the association gave me a response to my lmrda complaint as to why there are no officer elections.
The nmb has recognized these federations. Law firms i contacted were not receptive until Janus opened up the floodgates.
Regardless,, this nmb policy has never been challenged. Since Janus, there has been some developments.
1. The United ewr case. My understanding is that case is not a class action case. Further, that circuit court may be a problem.
2. There is another case involving a federation under the railways. Similar to our situation. The contention is, why should employee x have to pay union y if and only if union y is not even the certified collective bargaining agent?
Janus may have given a strong window in a favorable circuit court and VERY favorable scotus.
That case still hasnt been filed but i dont believe it is a iam shop. I am aware of the law firm and its a biggie. Thus far, ive stayed out of the case and im not sure if its class action (no clue) but i believe its going to have possibilities of being filed within the next 90 days.