“I am extremely disappointed in today’s Supreme Court decision in the Janus v. AFSCME case that threatens to weaken the ability of public-sector unions to represent the interests of working people.

“Unions help even the playing field and make both the workplace and America itself more just and fair—of significance, union workers make $200 more per week than nonunion workers.  And although women still do not earn as much as men in the workplace overall, women who are union workers make an average of 90 percent of men’s weekly earnings compared to just 81 percent for women not represented by a union.

“Unions don’t just benefit members, however—they benefit all workers. The causes of working families—in the never-ending fight for fair wages and benefits, workplace protections and other important terms of employment—have been advanced through collective bargaining and the critical work of unions. Nonunion members benefit from higher wages and job protections acquired through collective bargaining, and will continue to reap those benefits without having to contribute to those advocating on their behalf. This decision would weaken the influence and ability of unions to represent workers’ concerns and fight for these workplace reforms.

“As chairman of the House global human rights panel as well as co-chair of the China Commission, I’ve seen the irreparable harm done to millions when working men and women do not have a fair option and representation.

For instance, phony government-run unions in China—and elsewhere in the world—crush the hopes and dreams of working families while enriching a select few.

“In the wake of this wrongful decision, we must find a way to ensure that the interests of all working people are preserved and protected.”