Washington, D.C.--SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of Wal-Mart in Dukes vs. Wal-Mart:

“Today’s decision demonstrates yet again that there are two sets of rules in this country: one set for mega corporations like Wal-Mart and one set for the rest of us. It’s the same line of reasoning that explains why America’s janitors and nurses pay more than their fair share in taxes while corporations like Verizon get by without paying anything at all. And it explains why politicians are quick to bail out Wall Street but can’t seem to find the political will to put Americans back to work.

"It’s heartbreaking to watch our nation’s highest court silence the voices of millions of hardworking women while rewarding the bad behavior of corporate CEOs.

“We need to demand that corporations be accountable to our communities, pay their fair share of taxes and provide good jobs that include decent wages, healthcare, and pensions. Companies such as Wal-Mart need to give workers a seat at the table and accept collective bargaining as a practical way for women workers to resolve pay inequities and improve their working conditions. Research data shows that women workers with a union voice earn better wages and benefits than their non-union counter-parts.

“We can do better as a nation. It’s time to ensure that no person or corporation is above the law in America. It’s time to live up to the values of fairness and respect that we cherish as a nation. And it’s time for the Supreme Court to force corporations to play by the same rules as the rest of us.”

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