Here are a few excerpts from a Sacramento Bee article on responses to the Supreme Court Janus decision (along with, of course, my comments):
Kamala Harris, D-California: “The Court’s decision today undermines the basic American premise, held up by courts for more than four decades, that if a union represents all employees in negotiating and administering a collective bargaining agreement, then all employees ought to share the costs of that representation.”
What about my right to select the representative of my choice? A government worker subject to collective bargaining is forced to relinquish this right; this gives great power to the union, and is the reason they are forced to represent all members. Ask them (the union) if they would be willing to represent only union members; I would guess that this would not be an option they would accept, as it would significantly diminish their power during negotiations. Frankly, I would prefer to be able to select my own representation.
Kevin De Leon, D-Los Angeles: “Today, SCOTUS sided with corporate billionaires to threaten hardworking families…”
The Janus ruling only affects public-sector employees; what does that have to do with private corporate billionaires? That’s right – nothing. It’s just rhetoric meant to inflame their base.
Todd Gloria, D-San Diego: “This case was nothing more than a blatant power grab by those who do not want to give workers a fair shake and want to diminish their collective voices in the workplace and in our democracy.”
No, Todd – I just don’t want you to claim my voice is yours, using my own money.
Art Pulaski, California Labor Federation: “The decision today … is nothing more than a bald attempt to weaken unions by some of America’s richest CEOs and five right-wing political appointees sitting on the court.”
Frankly, I’m always surprised how the left calls Kennedy liberal when he votes with them, and conservative when he votes against. The fact is that Justice Kennedy has been pivotal in decisions leaning both left and right over his career; why the left would turn on him now is confusing.
Frankly, universal right-to-work is long overdue. I’m glad it’s here.