Janus Decision Hurts Unions and Environment

Today, the Supreme Court reversed Janus v. AFSCME. The consequences of this decision will restrict public sector unions’ long-standing ability to collect fair share fees from non-members who benefit from the work unions do. This will silence unions while allowing corporations more say. Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“This shameful court decision sides with big corporations and right-wing politicians against the labor movement that represents the people. We work closely with public sector employees and unions on important environmental issues and even legislation here in New Jersey. The CWA represents the DEP and have been our strong allies on issues ranging from The Highlands Act to cleaning toxic sites, funding parks, and stopping the fast-track law. We’ve worked closely with SEIU to promote clean energy and environmental justice. We’ve also worked with NJEA on healthy school initiatives. Their voices have been part of the environmental movement and now they’re trying to silence them.

“These groups have been strong allies for the environment and we’re outraged at the decision to limit their say. This is about taking away funding from public interests while allowing corporations and polluters to use a blank check in influencing legislators to roll back environmental protections. This takes away the important right of free speech from people who work to keep our air and water clean. It gags the people trying to clean the environment while giving a megaphone to oil companies and the Koch Brothers. We will continue to stand with working families and unions to protect our communities and environment.”