Trump administration sides against unions in major Supreme Court case
The Office of the Solicitor General, under the jurisdiction of President Donald Trump, submitted a brief in the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court case on Wednesday, siding against public employee unions.
The Janus case threatens to make Fair Share fees, which pay for the cost of collectively bargaining on behalf of non-members, illegal, making the entire nation “right-to-work” in the public sector. A ruling against the union in this case would deal a devastating financial blow to AFSCME and other unions.
This is one of many moves the Trump administration has made against labor, having appointed pro-management members to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and declaring support for mandatory arbitration fees in employment contracts.
“Not only has Donald Trump appointed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, essentially assuring a ruling against labor in the Janus case, but now he has officially sided against the union and working families,” Council 13 Executive Director David Fillman said.
“Many of Trump’s supporters are middle class union members, so it’s sad to see him go out of his way to act against their best interests with this move.”
Under the Obama administration, the Office of the Solicitor General sided with unions in the Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association case, which is nearly identical to Janus.
In September, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Janus v. AFSCME case. It is expected that oral arguments will occur in January and the decision will be issued no later than June 2018.
Members of AFSCME Council 13 should begin preparing for a “right-to-work” environment by signing all eligible employees up as dues-paying members. To take it a step further, contribute to Council 13’s Political And Legislative (PAL) fund so the union can support candidates who support it back, unlike President Trump.