Ohio House Democrats respond to anti-worker Janus v. AFSCME SCOTUS decision

Ohio House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME to strike down public sector union fair share, essentially bringing so-called “right to work” to public sector workplaces across America:

“Unions built the middle class and made America one of the most economically powerful and productive nations on earth. But now, misguided ideology from the bench will prevent working people and families in communities all over America from having the basic ability to do their job, safely, and with honest pay and fair benefits.”

“As union membership continues to grow, and the next generation of workers in Ohio find value in coming together to speak out for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and honest pay. House Democrats will stand with workers and families at every turn to fight back against corporate special interests who rig the economy in favor of the wealthy and powerful.”

Here’s what other House Dems are saying:

“Working people have been under siege in Ohio before, but we always emerge stronger, more unified, and more determined than ever to fight for the good paying jobs, fair benefits and safe working conditions that reflect our American values and make us the strongest country in the world.

“No court case will stop our movement. Though it’s disappointing the U.S. Supreme Court would side with corporate special interests who are hell-bent on rigging the economy against the American worker, we will continue to fight for higher pay, better benefits and more opportunity for Ohio families to have better lives.”—Assistant Democratic Whip Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati)

“One court case won’t stop the millions of working men and women who keep our economy moving and growing day in and day out. As younger workers turn to unions more and more to fight against an economy rigged by the rich and powerful to benefit a handful of elite and greedy CEOs, Ohio Democrats are committed to making it easier to join a union to rebuild our economy from the middle-class, out.”—Democratic Whip Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron)

“Unions give American workers the power to fight for a better life for them and their families, and one court case won’t change that. When working people come together to speak out for safe working conditions, fair pay and basic benefits, our economy grows and we all win. We’ll continue to fight for an Ohio where all workers have the opportunity to realize the American Dream.”—Assistant Democratic Leader Nicholas J. Celebrezze (D-Parma) 

“For years, corporate special interests have mounted a campaign against working people, rigging the economy against folks who work hard for an honest day’s pay. As the cards continue to stack against working people and our nation’s wealth continues to rise to the top, it’s more important than ever before to stand with working people for their right to come together to stand up for fair treatment, safer working conditions and honest pay. Unions helped pave the way for a strong middle class, and by standing with working people, we can ensure the next generation has the same opportunity to achieve their share of the American Dream as the ones who came before.”—House Commerce and Labor Committee Ranking Member Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown)

“Unions helped America build the largest and most prosperous middle class the world has ever seen. This decision challenges us to rededicate ourselves to continue to stand with working people who want to come together to speak out for fairness, workplace safety and honest pay. Supporting middle class Ohioans begins with supporting workers’ rights and fighting back against the special interests who put profit over people.” —Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron)

"This decision hurts unions and therefore hurts working families all across the United States of America. The Janus decision will further whittle away middle class wealth and create greater instability in our labor markets. Plain and simple, the American Dream is further out of reach because of today's U.S. Supreme Court decision." -Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid)