Today’s disappointing Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME ruled in favor of a corporate interest power-grab over working Americans and their unions.

Wealthy special interest groups spent millions of dollars on this case with the express intent to diminish working people’s numbers in union representation. Breaking a precedent set over 40 years ago, public-sector workers who are not union members but are protected by a union contract are now told they do not have to pay their fair share. The goal was clear: to undercut unions’ abilities to effectively advocate and negotiate on behalf of their members, weaken their position at the bargaining table, and undermine all of organized labor — all at the expense of working people.

Attacks on working people are nothing new. Workers have always been targeted by self-serving interests who would exploit us for their own benefit. It is inspiring to see examples of working people in all sectors realize the power we have when we fight for a better life and stand together in unity. Today’s court decision doesn’t change that.

Musicians are disappointed that workers’ rights were not upheld by the Court, but we will use this opportunity to step up our efforts on behalf of all working people. Today we reaffirm our commitment that no matter what is thrown at us, we will continue to organize and build on our foundation of unity, strength, and dignity.

About AFM Local 47 – Local 47 is a labor organization formed by and for musicians over a century ago that promotes and protects the concerns of over 7,000 musicians throughout the greater Los Angeles area in all facets of the music business. Local 47 is affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, the largest organization in the world representing the interests of 85,000 professional musicians.