Washington, D.C. — Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, released the following statement today on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association:
More than 7 million public sector workers currently enjoy the many economic benefits associated with union membership. With today’s 4-4 split in the case Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, the Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling in support of workers who have joined together to work for better wages and benefits that help them sustain their families.
Friedrichs was always simply a naked attempt to undermine American workers and unions, so today’s ruling provides some relief, even as conservatives plan new attacks. However, the Court’s 4-4 ruling is a fresh reminder of Senate Republicans’ obstruction around the Supreme Court vacancy. More than 100 million Americans—including women, students of color, and many in immigrant communities—will be affected by cases currently before the Court. More split decisions like today’s could lead to different laws impacting people in different parts of the country or, at best, with the Supreme Court never able to actually rule on key questions facing our country. Today, it is clearer than ever that the U.S. Senate must fulfill its constitutional duty and do its job of considering the president’s nominee to the Supreme Court.
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