Janus vs. AFSCME

On June 27, 2018, the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that employees who decline union membership are not required to pay “fair share” dues to the union that collectively bargains on their behalf.

The SCOTUS ruling is a hard blow to unions who negotiate for the working class to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Limiting the ability of unions to collect dues hinders the ability to negotiate and leaves workers vulnerable to the whims of management. The Pennsylvania Senate Democrats disagree with the Supreme Court’s ruling and will continue to fight for the rights of unions and workers.

Who Will Stand Up For Workers’ Rights?

The Janus decision sets the stage for nationwide anti-worker policies that have been proven to lower job standards and hurt communities.
In states like Wisconsin that already have similar anti-worker legislation on the books:
Average wages are nearly $6,000 per year less
Poverty increased dramatically
Overall, declining union membership contributed to one-third of the disappearance of the middle class
Health benefits decreased by nearly 3%
Workplace fatalities jumped by an incredible 49%

Unions have been the greatest champions for the working class.
In addition to support provided to countless individual work place battles, unions are responsible for:
Enactment of the 40-hour work week
Creation of overtime pay
Ending of child labor
Increases to the minimum wage
Creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) agency

The PA Senate Democrats will continue to empower the middle class and fight for workers’ rights.
Priorities for the Senate Democrats that protect workers include:
Protecting prevailing wage laws
Working to raise the minimum wage
Requiring paid sick days and family leave
Protecting workers from wage theft
Fighting for local governments to have the right to raise local wages that differ from the statewide minimum

Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Combat Janus Ruling

 

Terrible, but expected news from on . This is a blow to ALL workers, not just workers, who fight on the front lines for living wages and fair conditions. Workers in states make 3 to 12 percent LESS. protect the middle class. -@SenTartaglione

#Solidarity

Member Statements

Senator Costa Releases Statement on SCOTUS Janus Ruling

Democratic Leader Senator Jay Costa (D-Pittsburgh) released the following statement on the United States Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in Janus v. AFSCME: Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Janus case is disappointing, and disheartening for the millions of...

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