Sacramento, CA…California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today released a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31, a case involving public employees paying fees to support the cost of critical representation during collective bargaining.

“We are disappointed in today’s ruling in Janus, a case about defending the interests of working people,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The U.S. Supreme Court is threatening the ability of workers to engage in collective bargaining and of states to manage our workforce. Even in the face of this challenge, workers in California can count on our office to defend collective bargaining rights and to stand up for fair pay, workplace safety, pensions, paid sick days, health-care services and other important protections. We will not back down in the fight to protect working families and to ensure that the voices of California’s workers are heard.”

Earlier this year, Attorney General Becerra filed a friend-of-the-court brief in this case. In the brief, the Attorney General described the critical role public employees in California make to the economy and our communities. California’s police officers, teachers and first responders deliver critical services to California’s 40 million residents. The use of mandatory agency fees to support collective bargaining with public employers provides important benefits without improperly burdening individual interests.

To view a copy of the brief visit: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-becerra-files-amicus-brief-janus-v-afscme-stands-workers-and

To read Attorney General Becerra’s commentary to the San Diego Union Tribune regarding this case visit: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/sd-oe-unions-california-janus-workers-20180222-story.html