Friday, December 7, 2012

Michigan Legislators Pass Right-to-Work Laws; Bar Unions from Forcing Workers to Join Them

Michigan state Republican legislators made waves yesterday by passing a series of right-to-work measures, attracting a wave of protests from union members and other opponents of the bills. The statutes would bar unions from requiring employees to become union members, or to pay dues or fees as a condition of employment, the New American website reports today (December 7, 2012).

While unions and their Democratic allies oppose the laws, Michigan Republicans yesterday made a swift move to make theirs the 24th state with right-to-work on the books.

A triumph in Michigan -- normally considered a pro-union state -- would provide the right-to-work movement its most fortified bedrock in the Rust Belt, where unions already have suffered some solid defeats.

"This is all about taking care of the hard-working workers in Michigan, being pro-worker and giving them freedom to make choices," Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said in supporting the bills. "The goal isn't to divide Michigan, it is to bring Michigan together."

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