The MSCA is angered that the U.S. Supreme Court sided with right-wing billionaires in their attacks on workers and unions in its decision in the Janus v. AFSCME case. But we are neither surprised nor intimidated.

We know that our ability to organize and to bargain fair contracts is the best way to ensure that students have access to high-quality public colleges, universities and schools. Like all unionized public employees, the faculty and staff on our campus use collective bargaining to make sure that workers are treated fairly.

The forces behind the Janus case do not want educators and other public employees to have a voice in the workplace or in the community.

But we will not be silenced. We will continue to organize and advocate on behalf of our students, our schools and colleges, and our communities.

We know that with strong unions:

• Workers benefit because they are able to protect and maintain their quality of life through collective bargaining, which leads to fair compensation and equitable treatment.

 

• Families and communities benefit because unions fight for a just society. Unions advocate for laws and policies concerning health and safety, retirement security, health insurance, due-process rights, equal pay for equal work, paid family and medical leave, and racial and economic justice.

 

• Students benefit because unionized higher education faculty and staff have more power to advocate for adequate funding for public colleges and universities. This funding is needed to enhance the quality of education provided and to make public higher education more affordable for students.

 

Despite the Supreme Court’s misguided decision in the Janus case, we are confident that the vast majority of members will remain in our union because they understand the importance of employees having collective power that can be exercised to benefit the public good.