Supreme Court sides with special interests in Janus vs. AFSCME decision

Trenton, NJ – AFSCME New Jersey Council 63 Executive Director Steve Tully released the following statement on today’s Supreme Court decision in the Janus vs. AFSCME case:

We are disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision today but, unfortunately, not surprised. This decision is yet another example of how billionaires rig the system against working people. Despite this unfair decision, nothing changes the fact that America needs unions now more than ever. AFSCME New Jersey is more resolved than ever to fight for our members and the communities they serve. AFSCME New Jersey members will continue to be there every day, fighting hard for all working people, our freedoms and for our country.

New Jerseysans are more productive and working harder than ever before, yet so many working families are falling behind. Labor unions level the playing field for working people, by raising wages and increasing access to health care and retirement security, especially for women and people of color who are disproportionately hurt by this rigged system.

We applaud everything that Governor Murphy and the state legislature here in New Jersey have done thus far to stand up for working people to make it easier for them to join unions, and we call on our federal legislators to do the same.

While the billionaires, CEOs and corporate interests behind the Janus case use their power and wealth to further rig our economy against working people and our communities, unions strengthen our communities by ensuring better training, equipment and staffing levels for dedicated public workers like first responders, health care workers, and child protective service workers.

We need principled leadership from New Jersey’s state and federal legislators to protect our freedoms. It’s time for them to stand by New Jersey’s workers today by making it easier for working people to join a union.

AFSCME’s 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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