Texas Public Policy Foundation Statement on Houston Jury Verdict in Landmark Lawsuit Against SEIU

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Vice President of Research and Director of the Center for Economic Freedom Bill Peacock and General Counsel Robert Henneke issued the following statements on the verdict delivered by a state district court in Harris County awarding Professional Janitorial Services (PJS) Houston $5.4 million in damages for the business lost when the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) made false claims against PJS in an aggressive union organizing campaign.

            “Even though Texas’ status as a Right-to-Work state has greatly increased job creation and economic growth, the judgment today in Houston against the SEIU indicates that we still have work to do to protect Texas workers and employers from many union practices,” said Peacock. “Corporate campaigns, assaults on the right to a secret ballot, and collective bargaining by government employees all harm Texas workers and taxpayers.”

            “Today’s verdict is a win for honest competition and a level-playing field for businesses and workers,” said Henneke. “For Texas to truly be an at-will state we must remove policies that give unions preferential treatment over other businesses. In today’s economy, free-market competition provides a better solution for workers and customers. SEIU’s corrupt actions are indicative of an antiquated model that cannot compete without using abusive and fear-based tactics.”

To schedule an interview with Mr. Peacock or Mr. Henneke please contact Caroline Espinosa at [email protected] or 512-472-2700.