WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following the Supreme Court's issuance of a unanimous opinion in Lane v. Franks, Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement:

Today's ruling by the Supreme Court in Lane v. Franks is an important step forward in free speech protections for public service workers. It will affect all Americans who rely on quality public services like education and public safety. Teachers, firefighters, police officers, 911 operators, public health nurses and many others who are dedicated to public service need to have the freedom to speak up for quality services and to blow the whistle if they witness corruption.

"It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court didn't go even further and establish a clear rule that truthful sworn testimony by public service workers should never be the basis for any retaliatory action by a public employer. Public service workers who are brave enough to stand up and speak out to improve public services should always be protected from retaliation."

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