Statement on the Supreme Court decision on Janus v. AFSCME

In light of today’s U.S. Supreme Court’s decision trying to divide workers, Peter Starzynski, Executive Director of the Northwest Accountability Project issued the following statement:

“Today, corporate interests won a victory in the U.S. Supreme Court and while many have referred to this case as a game changer or a deathblow for unions, the fact is that in the Northwest, unions have been facing these types of attacks for a few years from organizations such as the Washington based Freedom Foundation and it has made no serious impact. Despite a costly campaign of harassment and frivolous lawsuits by extremist, corporate-funded organizations, union membership is on the rise in the Northwest.

Since these attacks began, unions in the Northwest collectively have won the most progressive agenda in the country including minimum wage increases, paid sick leave for all, and fair scheduling laws. In addition, progressive, pro-union politicians have actually gained seats in state government.

We will continue to be vigilant in the face of attempts to weaken workers’ rights but in its entire context, The Freedom Foundation’s agenda has been a total failure. If it’s any sign of things to come, then unions in the Northwest should be just fine.”