Rep. Waters Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Public Sector Unions

Rep. Waters Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Public Sector Unions

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Janus v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) on the collection of public sector union fees:

"I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision in the Janus case to prevent public sector unions from collecting ‘fair share fees' for legally required services. This decision changes a 40-year-old precedent which previously allowed unions to collect these ‘fair share fees' from non-member employees who benefit from collective bargaining. Billionaires, corporations, and other interests have spent millions of dollars on court cases challenging unions. These court cases have been nothing more than political attacks on the freedom of employees across the country to come together and be heard. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has sided against workers and in favor of wealthy and powerful corporate interests. The Supreme Court got it wrong.

"Unions have been a frequent target of Donald Trump's administration and Republicans across the country, but nothing will stop them from remaining a powerful voice for working families in this country. Today's decision only underscores how important it is that we fully support unions as they fight for better wages, retirement benefits, and a higher standard of living for working families. I will continue to support unions in their efforts to fight for workers' rights and freedoms."

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