The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case called Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 31 that is being pushed by wealthy corporations and right-wing politicians to eliminate our freedom to come together in unions to create a better life.
Belonging to a union helps working people gain the freedom to prosper. This freedom comes not only from making a good living, but also from work-life balance, the ability to take a loved one to the doctor or attend a parent-teacher conference without fear of losing your job, and the ability—after a lifetime of work—to retire with dignity.
Many corporations, wealthy interests, and the politicians in their corner want those freedoms for themselves but not for their employees or people in public service like teachers or healthcare workers. These anti-union forces have rewritten the economic and political rules to amass more wealth for themselves and secure as much influence as money can buy. They know that there is power in numbers, so they have plotted ways to gut union membership.
What do they want the Supreme Court to do?
Those behind the Janus case want the court to overrule decades of precedent enabling public sector unions to charge a fair-share fee to nonmembers for the representation the unions provide. The goal is to cripple labor unions, weaken workers’ rights, and further exacerbate the imbalance of power in our economic, political, and social systems. That’s why those behind Janus requested the Supreme Court to review the case right after the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch, who has a record of siding with corporate interests against working people.
Importance of becoming a full dues paying member
To maintain your voice at work and continue to have input on your wages, benefits, and working conditions it is important that all bargaining unit members become full dues paying members. Click here to make your voice heard and join!