Friedrichs Case Explained By Following the Money

Post date: Dec 02, 2015 11:9:33 PM

The Friedrichs U.S. Supreme Court case is an attack on the fundamental right of workers to form unions and exercise their collective voice on the job. To understand why this case has been brought forth and its implications on all workers, please take a moment to watch this video featuring our union sister Jennifer Higgins from AFT Local 1904 at Montclair University.As the video reveals, this case is being funded by the same forces that have been attacking American working people for decades. The Center for Individual Rights (CIR), which brought this case forth, is a front group designed to advance conservative legal action. CIR is funded by wealthy interests like the Koch Brothers, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, and the F.M. Kirby Foundation based in New Jersey.

These groups have one goal in mind which is to increase corporate profits by weakening unions. When workers have thepower to speak up on the job, they are far more likely to earn a livable wage. Unfortunately, many businesses would rather keep that money for themselves and their shareholders.The benefit of strong unions has always been twofold in that they empower their members to make ends meet and also set a standard that lifts wages for all workers. This court case, which seeks to undermine the strength of unions, poses a major threat to the rights of American workers and to this country’s middle class.We are all in this fight together, and we will prevail by standing with our unions and defending the right to a voice on the job.