Schakowsky statement on the Supreme Court deciding to take up Janus v. AFSCME

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Janus v. AFSCME, an Illinois case that seeks to undermine public sector unions bargaining on behalf of workers – whether they are union members or not.

“The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the Janus v. AFSCME case is part of an ongoing effort to take away workers’ freedom to bargain for good wages, good benefits, and safe workplaces. This is an Illinois case, but the implications of a Supreme Court decision will be felt by workers across the country.

“Unions matter. They allow workers to join together to confront the impacts of a rigged economy, and it is no coincidence that attacks on unions come at a time of wage stagnation and greater income inequality. Although Janus was dismissed by a district court and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, the National Right to Work Committee and their anti-worker allies are continuing their assault.

“Working women and men deserve the freedom to unite to protect their rights and improve their families’ well-being.”