The Janus case is a call to arms for unions

Latest

Chicago protest against the Governor Rauner budget for Illinois.
PHOTO/CHARLES E. MILLER

 
On February 26, the Supreme Court heard the Janus vs. AFSCME case. Mark Janus sued AFSCME claiming that unions do not represent his political interests and that payment of Fair Share dues is a violation of free speech. The case is supported by the National Right to Work Foundation and the Liberty Justice Center and billionaires like Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. The ruling would give a decisive blow to public-sector unions. Yet, the case is galvanizing unions to organize and re-examine how they can make unions even more relevant to workers. A post-Janus world could negatively impact students and the community. The following is an interview by Dr. Jesú Estrada with Tony Johnston, president of the Cook County College Teachers Union (CCCTU), about Janus. In Chicago and suburban community colleges, the CCCTU has guaranteed decent wages and benefits for faculty, professionals, adjuncts, and para-professionals alike and excellent education for students.
Q. Give us a little background on Janus. Who is behind this attack on public-sector unions?
A. Right-wing conservative groups have funded the Right to Freeload legislation and litigation. This article gives a very concise explanation of the forces behind Janus: inthesetimes.com/features/janus_supreme_court_unions_investigation.html
Q. What is the state of Janus given the Supreme Court hearing?
A. As has been predicted, it looks certain that the Supreme Court will vote to overturn the Abood decision which will make fair share dues deduction unconstitutional. This ruling will allow any union member from public-sector unions to opt out of membership and dues deduction at any time.
Q. How should unions respond to these attacks on public-sector workers?
A. This decision gives us an opportunity to have a real conversation with our members on the real benefits of being in a union.
Q. Why should non-union members care about these attacks?
A. There is a lot of data which shows that benefits and improvements won by unions translate into increases in salaries and benefits for non-union workers. Also, this challenge provides us in the labor movement an opportunity to reach out to workers who are not unionized and organize them.
Q. A lot of organizers have been addressing the issue of unity. How can unions unite with other social movements?
A. It is vital that unions reach out to community-based organizations and civic groups such as Black Lives Matter so that people see unions as advocating not just for salaries and working conditions, but for issues that have a real impact on the communities that we serve.
Q. Do you have any final thoughts regarding Janus?
A. Janus is a call to arms for unions. It has forced us to get back to our real job of improving the lives of our members and showing them that our actions in the workplace will lead to a more equal and just society.

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

Make Your Vote Count 

This 2024 election is gaining on us and the pressure to get to the ballot box is intense and...

Michigan’s Prescient Lesson: Vote While You Still Can!!! 

Michigan's non-elected Emergency Manager dictatorship made Flint's water crisis possible. Pay attention to the danger of losing our Democratic rights as we’ve known them in this election. Vote while you still can!

US Doctors Tell Biden, Harris They ‘Witnessed Crimes Beyond Comprehension’ in Gaza

US doctors who visited Gaza tell Biden, Harris they've never seen such horrific injuries, on such a massive scale, with so few resources, that our bombs are cutting down women and children, and that a ceasefire must be imposed.

More from the People's Tribune