A divided U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling today in Janus v. AFSCME that further rigs the rules against working people.

The 5-4 court majority ruled that public-sector unions like PSEA can no longer collect fair share fees from non-members for the services that unions must provide to them.

This Supreme Court decision is disappointing but not surprising. The underlying case is part of a politically motivated attack intended to silence the voices of working people who speak up through their unions for better schools, adequate public services, and good jobs.

“If the goal of the people who funded this lawsuit is to silence us, I can tell you that it’s not going to happen,” PSEA President Dolores McCracken said. “I am extremely proud of the services PSEA provides its members, and I’m confident that the 181,000 members PSEA represents will continue to see the value in belonging to our Association.

“The bottom line is this. PSEA members know that their union membership is what helps them to get the salaries, benefits, and working conditions that every public school employee deserves. And, together, we’re going to keep doing everything possible to make sure that’s what they get.”

PSEA members are stronger together

Despite the disappointing court decision, McCracken said PSEA members will continue to stand together for the good of their students and each other.

“Through the collective bargaining process, we will advocate for good salaries, benefits, and working conditions and the respect that every public-school professional deserves,” McCracken said. “We will continue to speak out for smaller class sizes, safer schools, and better learning environments for all students.

“PSEA is strong because our members belong. No court decision can prevent us from standing together.”

Unions at the heart of change

McCracken also said the strong movements that are driving young people to speak out in support of improving school safety and motivating educators across the U.S. to take a stand for their students, their professions, and each other will not be easily silenced.

“Unions, educators, and students are at the heart of these movements, so I look to the future with confidence and optimism,” McCracken said. “We have faced challenges before, and we will face them again — together.

“That is what PSEA has always done, and that is what PSEA and its members will continue to do – regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision.”