718-634-4000

Editorial: A Supreme Gut Punch


Share this:

Illustration by Thomas Kerr

On June 27, the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Mark Janus’ lawsuit against the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, agreeing it is unconstitutional for non-union workers to pay fees to public sector unions.
Regardless of your political affiliation, the Janus ruling, as characterized by the Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is “a punch in the gut for working people.”

Rockaway is populated by many of these union workers; yet almost as many voted for President Trump, and hailed his victory as a victory of the working class.

Yet this decision flies in the face of that declaration, and further weakens any union’s ability to collectively bargain. But don’t take our word for it, just ask the president of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

“Today’s Supreme Court Janus decision is yet another effort to put obstacles in front of working men and women to join collectively behind the power of a unified voice,” UAW President Gary Jones said in a statement. “To be clear, labor will survive. But to be equally clear, our elections do matter, as the appointment of conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch by the Republican-led Senate left little doubt about the outcome of this decision. The Janus decision is just another barrier and another attack on working men and women.”

More than a few folks in Rockaway, based on their recent social media usage, are applauding this decision as another example of Trump “winning.” But if you are a union member, or someone you love – and/or depend on – is, this development is quite the opposite.

Yes, the Supreme Court has punched us all in the gut. Now it’s up to our elected officials in the state legislature to pull us off the mat and punch back.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *