Unions Stronger Than Ever in Post-Janus Era

Posted: 
Monday, March 11, 2019
Prior to the Supreme Court ruling last summer in the Janus v. ASCFME case, experts predicted that a ruling against unions would result in a significant drop in union membership and a weakening of union strength across America.
 
Not so fast, Mr. Janus!
 
According to recent federal labor filings, the Janus decision has made little difference whatsoever in most unions. In fact, in the state of New York, union membership is on the rise.
 
The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) added 15,097 dues-paying members in its 2018 fiscal year, upping its active membership to 426,396. That's a 4 percent increase from the 2017 fiscal year.
 
The Civil Service Employees Association (CESA), also saw a slight bump to 230,354 dues-paying members in its 2018 fiscal year, up 4,294 members from the prior year.
 
A recent article in The Guardian, shows that across America, unions have been galvanized by the Janus decision, gaining members and showing an increased willingness to stand together for fair compensation, benefits and working conditions. Read that complete article by clicking here.
 
Unions were prepared for Janus long before the ruling was announced. Union leaders went door to door to explain to their members why sticking with the union benefits everyone. Without question, their efforts paid off.
 
Of course, groups led by large corporations are continuing their efforts to weaken unions. However, in the state of New York, and elsewhere, these groups are finding a more than capable adversary in unions who have bound together their membership and are just as strong of a force as ever.

 

Found in: