Washington state has one of the highest rates of union membership in the country. A majority of state and local government employees are currently represented by unions, and these unions have led the way on efforts to reduce poverty, promote equity, and improve public services – both through the collective bargaining process and through public policy advocacy. Public sector unions have been key partners in efforts to raise the statewide minimum wage, provide paid family and medical leave to all workers, and make sure all children have access to a great public education.

This Supreme Court decision goes far beyond an attack on public sector workers. It is a setback for efforts to promote shared prosperity in Washington state and across the country. Now it is time for our state and local elected leaders to respond with policies that strengthen the economic well-being of Washington’s working people and communities. They must enact and enforce stronger labor standards in our state, implement and modernize the Working Families Tax Rebate, protect workers’ rights to organize, and ensure sufficient funding for vital public services.

For more details on the importance of public sector unions, read this Washington Post article by economist Jared Bernstein: “Bend the trend: Reviving unionization in America.”