As Republican President Donald crowed his approval of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling today (Wednesday, June 27th) in the Janus v. AFSCME case, Organized Labor in Western New York and across New York State and the Nation responded, vowing

In a morning tweet, Trump said: Supreme Court rules in favor of non-union workers who are now, as an example, able to support a candidate of his or her choice without having those who control the Union deciding for them.  Big loss for the coffers of the Democrats!

Trump’s appointed Justice - Neil Gorsuch - cast the deciding vote against what Conservative opponents have labeled a form of compelled speech.  The money helps Labor Unions maintain political power in some of the Nation's most populous States, including California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  And the landmark ruling overrules the Supreme Court's own 41-year-old precedent, which said Workers did not have to pay for Unions' political activity - but could be required to contribute to other costs of representation, such as wage and benefit negotiations and grievance procedures.  The Supreme Court's decision frees those Non-Members from paying the fees, but Unions also are braced to lose some dues-paying Members who stand to save more under the new rule.

While most Labor Organizations were prepared for such a ruling from the Supreme Court, many had taken steps over the past couple of years to reach out to their Members – one-on-one – in an effort to make them acutely aware of what their Union has done for them and how important it is to be a Union Member, especially when it comes to workplace rights.

As such, Labor Leaders from across Western New York, New York and the Nation quickly responded to the Supreme Court’s Janus ruling:

“Improving the lives of all Working Men and Women is what defines us, not one court case,” New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said.  “The Janus v. AFSCME case has always been a thinly-veiled attack on the rights of all Working People to join together and speak with one voice.  New York’s labor movement, with 2.5 million members, will remain strong.  In fact, today’s decision will only make us stronger and more determined to fight for better wages, benefits and conditions of employment, as well as for a brighter future for all Workers and their families.”

The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Union, which represents 600,000 Members, released the following statement: “Wealthy special interests have been fighting for years to undercut Unions and roll back the benefits earned by Working Families.  Today’s Supreme Court decision in Janus vs. AFSCME shows how far they are willing to go to attack Working Families.  Anti-Union Forces think they can seize this opportunity to convince our Members to abandon our Union in an effort to diminish their voice in the workplace and weaken their strength at the bargaining table.  But we are ready for this fight.  Our Members know that strong Unions and Collective Bargaining are the keys to securing higher wages, quality health care and a secure retirement.  They know that strong Unions provide our Members a voice in the workplace and in the halls of power.  We have fought long and hard to protect our Brothers and Sisters in the Labor Movement and we are not going to back down now.  Our movement is stronger than ever.  We are committed to working like never before to encourage every Member to stick with our Union.”

Civil Service Employees Association President Danny Donohue, whose New York Statewide Union represents more than 300,000 Public Workers, said the Supreme Court caved to greedy corporate CEOs and the wealthy.  In a statement, he said: “It’s outrageous the Supreme Court caved to greedy corporate CEOs and the wealthy instead of supporting the rights of hard-working Americans.  Let me be clear.  This case wasn’t about fairness or even free speech.  It was just another scheme for the rich to get richer by destroying Unions and silencing Working People.  I can tell you right now it’s not going to work.  Our Members won’t be fooled into giving up everything Unions have fought so hard for.  Workers in New York, the most Unionized State in the country, know the value strong Unions provide Workers, families and communities.  Our Members will stick with our Union because Unions help Workers get better wages and health benefits, improve workplace safety and protect their pensions.  CSEA has been around for more than a hundred years and we’re not going anywhere.  Stay Union!  Stay Strong!”

In Western New York, CSEA Region President Flo Tripi said: “This case was always about the rich getting richer and the powerful getting more power.  This latest judicial attack on Public Sector Unions will not deter us from our mission.  We will continue to stand arm in arm to do the business of the Union, to celebrate all things Labor and to protect the rights and values that helped build this great Nation.  CSEA will never quit fighting for our rightful place at the table and having our voice heard at work - because when Unions are strong, Workers are strong.  And when Workers are strong - America is strong.”

Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore released the following statement:

“The Supreme Court and the Union-Busting Millionaires will not break our Unions.  We will be stronger and our solidarity greater.  When attacked, we pull together to battle and prevail over those who would attack us.  I consider an Employee who benefits from our representation but who refuses to provide their fair share, but rather makes their colleagues pay for them, Free-Loaders.”

Rochester AFSCME Council 66 President Dan DiClemente issued the following statement:

“In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court overturned decades of legal precedent by declaring that Fair Share Fees to Public Service Unions are no longer Constitutional.  Rather than decide this case based on the Law, Activist Judges have taken the extraordinary step of siding with corporations that are undermining Workers’ rights across the country.  Members are more committed than ever to the Union because they all know their rights to join together to negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions are at stake.  This Supreme Court case will only reinforce our resolve and determination to move forward and our Union is in the strongest and best position to overcome any challenge that comes our way.  The New York State Constitutional Convention referendum last year showed that when we fight to protect Workers’ rights, we win.  Americans need strong Unions now more than ever to unrig an economy skewed to benefit the ultra-wealthy.  Unions uplift our families and make our communities stronger. Being in a Labor Union gives us the freedom to provide for our families, care for our loved ones and retire with dignity.  We will never quit on our Union and we will never quit on the communities we are all here to serve.”