03.29.16

Scott Statement on Supreme Court Decision for Working Families

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s 4-4 tie decision in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, preserving the Ninth Circuit Court ruling in favor of working families:

“The Supreme Court 4-4 decision in Friedrichs upheld the rule that when non-union members share in the wages, benefits and protections negotiated by a union in a collectively bargained contract, they need to pay their fair share for the cost of those negotiations. State labor laws require unions to fairly represent all workers in the bargaining unit, whether they are members of the union or not.  For example, the union must provide members and non-members with the same benefits, including representing the non-member in filing and processing grievances when the non-member has a dispute with the employer.  This ruling affirms the important principle that workers should not be allowed to freeload, by simply choosing not to pay their fair share while benefiting from the unions’ efforts on their behalf.  

“Today’s decision protects the ability of public sector employees to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. Unions, and those employment terms negotiated by unions, strengthen working families by boosting wages, helping workers balance work and family life, and leveling the playing field for all in the workplace.”

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