Supreme Court Strikes Down Landmark Labor Bill

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

“Today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down California’s landmark law that prohibits the use of state funds to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. This simple law would have ensured that taxpayer dollars are not used to limit workers’ freedom to form or join a union. Although the Supreme Court decision is disappointing, it’s no surprise. This is yet one more in a string of pro-business, anti-worker and anti-consumer Supreme Court decisions in the past several years.

“We respectfully disagree with the Supreme Court majority. Congress never intended to force the states to allow taxpayers' money to be used to fight workers trying to have a union. The notion that Congress did this without even saying so – as the Court majority found – seems ridiculous on its face.

“Unfortunately, here in California and across the country, the fundamental right to form and join unions exists only on paper. Workers are routinely fired, threatened, and intimidated for supporting a union. The California Labor Federation will continue to fight for a real right to organize at every local, state, and federal opportunity. This court decision only deepens our commitment to push for national labor law reform and elect a pro-worker president.”

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