Frank Clemente, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31.

“Today’s narrow decision in the Janus case is not just about payment of union dues. Fundamentally, it’s about the wealthy and big corporations taking power away from working people who are demanding better pay, better schools, affordable healthcare, a secure retirement and a fair tax system. All of that is now at risk by this ruling. The ability to organize and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions is the best way to move more people into the middle class and erase the tremendous income inequality in this nation. But that’s a threat to the special interests who have rigged the economy in their favor, and their attacks on working people won’t stop with today’s ruling.

“But the growing movement for equality, for fairness and income security won’t stop either. The public workers’ unions, which represent half the unionized workers in the country, will continue to press their case for improving their own livelihood, strengthening the overall economy and creating a better life for all working families and retirees. A tax system where the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share is central to those goals. A 5-to-4 court ruling is not going to stop them from doing what’s right for them and the country.”