Governor Kate Brown Stands with Oregon Union Members

Statement

In reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Janus v. AFSCME today, Governor Kate Brown, Tom Chamberlain (president of Oregon AFL-CIO), John Larson (president of the Oregon Education Association), Melissa Unger (executive director of SEIU Local 503), and Stacy Chamberlain (executive director of Oregon AFSCME), released the following joint statement:

"Oregon's economy is thriving, but the rising economic tide is leaving too many behind. Every day, we hear from families struggling to make ends meet, single parents working two jobs to get by, young people buried by student loans, and seniors who've spent down their life savings to keep up with the rising cost of living.

"Today, Oregon families face new challenges, but unions are on the forefront, fighting for working families, fair pay, and more affordable housing. Our union members have led the fights to raise the minimum wage, ensure that women and people of color are paid equally and treated fairly in the workplace, and expand access to affordable healthcare. Strong public sector unions have been and will continue to be one of the pillars upon which Oregon's middle class is built.

"The Supreme Court's disappointing ruling in the Janus case tips the scale yet again in favor of wealthy special interests, making it even harder for working families to get ahead. Despite that decision, however, Oregon's unions will remain strong as long as union members stick together and continue acting collectively for the common good of all workers.

"Oregon's union members stand strong, and will continue working with Oregon's political leaders to create and maintain public-sector union jobs -- positions that allow dedicated public servants to serve the people of our state."

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