INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION
ITUC OnLine
Brussels, 28 June 2018 (ITUC OnLine): The decision by the US Supreme Court on the “Janus” case on 27 June, which allows
public sector workers who are not union members to benefit for free from union-negotiated collective bargaining, is a
victory for corporate greed. The case is the culmination of a campaign financed by right-wing billionaires such as the
notorious Koch brothers, aimed at suffocating unions to drive down wages and working conditions.
“This is a decision that aims to please the rich and powerful, and will further undermine collective bargaining in the
US. The one-seat conservative majority in the Supreme Court has made a political judgement intended to undermine unions.
It is doubtful that the Supreme Court would force any business to provide services to people for free – unions are being
singled out because they stand up for rights and decent living standards and against the corporate greed that is driving
unprecedented inequality and fracturing communities and countries,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.
Richard Trumka, President of the ITUC’s US affiliate the AFL-CIO, said: “In this case, a bare majority of the court,
over the vigorous dissent of four justices, has conceded to the dark web of corporations and wealthy donors who wish to
take away the freedoms of working people. Until it is overturned, this decision will be a political stain on what is
intended to be the most honorable, independent body in the world. But more importantly, it will further empower the
corporate elites in their efforts to thwart the aspirations of millions of working people standing together for a better
life.”
To read the AFL-CIO statement: https://aflcio.org/press/releases/supreme-court-does-bidding-corporate-elites-working-people-fight
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