Hoyer: This Case Is Just The Latest In A Long Effort To Weaken Workers' Right To Organize

Press Release

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after reports the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Janus v. AFSCME case challenging workers' collective bargaining rights:

"This case is just the latest in a long effort to weaken workers' right to organize and bargain collectively for better pay and benefits. If the history of organized labor has taught us one lesson, it is that no union, whether in the private or public sector, can effectively negotiate with employers for good wages and safe working conditions unless the employees who reap the material benefits of these negotiations pay for collective bargaining, whether or not they are members of the union. The Supreme Court long ago distinguished between a union's political activities and collective bargaining activities, enabling workers who disagree with a union's political message to withhold fees to advance that message. This decision has effectively balanced the first amendment rights of workers with the principle that collective bargaining cannot succeed unless everyone who benefits from it contributes to the effort. This is settled law, and the Court would be wise to let the precedent stand.

"While I am disappointed that the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in this case, I hope the justices will see -- as I and so many others do -- that the efficacy and success of public sector collective bargaining depends on all workers paying their fair share to ensure unions have the resources they need to negotiate the pay, benefits, and workplace protections that workers deserve."

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