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Quigley Statement on Janus v. ASFME Decision

June 27, 2018

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), released the following statement in response to the Janus v. ASFME decision, where the Supreme Court ruled that public sector unions' long-held practice of collecting "fair share fees" for the services they are legally required to provide workers is unconstitutional:

"The Janus v AFSCME Supreme Court ruling just reversed four decades of precedent to undermine the freedom of our laborers, teachers, police officers, firefighters, factory and transportation workers, and more. Today's flawed decision is just another example in a litany of instances where conservative judges, Republican elected officials, and their donors have attempted to rig the economy against hardworking Americans for the benefit of billionaires. By increasing the number of free riding workers, unions could be forced to drastically reduce their budgets, which in turn will weaken their ability to negotiate stronger contracts and defend the rights of American workers who deserve a fair wage and a fair workplace.

"As a proud Chicagoan, I understand the important role unions play in rebuilding and strengthening the shrinking middle class. I will continue to partner with my Democratic colleagues to defend unions and support legislative solutions that will guarantee that all public-sector workers have the freedom to stand together and negotiate for fair working conditions. Conservatives must stop attacking workers and start helping to create a system that benefits everyone. This must also include investing in the schools, public safety programs, and transportation systems that provide opportunity to our communities."