MTA issues statement on case attacking public-sector unions

Madeloni: Outcome will have “significant implications for educators and other working people across the country.”

The following is a statement by MTA President Barbara Madeloni on Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, which is now before the U.S. Supreme Court:

This is a very dangerous case with significant implications for educators and other working people across the country.

The attack on private-sector unions over the past several decades has already led to the loss of rights and benefits for millions of working men and women — and to skyrocketing income inequality. The corporate interests behind the Friedrichs case are now determined to weaken public-sector unions to solidify their gains in wealth and power.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association helped the National Education Association find leaders in Massachusetts public school districts and municipalities who were courageous enough to support an amicus — or “friend of the court” — brief filed by dozens of public employers around the country. The MTA also communicated with Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who joined other state attorneys general in an amicus brief in support of the unions and on the side of fairness, common sense and the interests of ordinary Americans.

Win or lose at the Supreme Court, we will continue to organize, serve and defend our members as we work collectively to advance the interests of educators, students and public education.