Branch v. City of Myrtle Beach

TOAL, Justice:

This ease is an appeal from a Court of Appeals’ opinion finding that South Carolina’s right-to-work statute applies to public employment. We disagree and reverse.

Factual/Procedural Background

Respondents Larry Branch and James Phalen (collectively “the Firemen”) are firefighters employed as lieutenants by the City of Myrtle Beach (“the City”). Both Firemen joined Local 2345, a labor union and local affiliate of the International Association of Firefighters. In August of 1993, petitioner Womack, acting in his official capacity as the City’s Fire Chief, issued a written policy…