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LANSING — Michigan, long known as a mainstay of organized labor, on Friday became the first state in decades to repeal a union-restricting law known as “right-to-work” that was passed over a decade ago by a Republican-controlled Legislature.
The state's “right-to-work” law had allowed those in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues and fees. Its repeal is seen as a major victory for organized labor with union membership reaching an all-time low last year.
"Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job, and grow Michigan’s middle class,” Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement Friday after signing the legislation.
The second-term governor also signed legislation restoring a prevailing wage law that had been repealed by Republicans in 2018. It requires contractors hired for state projects to pay union-level wages.
"This is about the opportunity for people to make a living wage in Michigan when they're dong this kind of work, particularly in construction," said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. "We believe people who are doing hard work should be paid so that they can support themselves and support their families and that's what this was looking to restore."
State Rep. Bill G Schuette, R-Midland, said that the prevailing wage is another case of Michigan "heading down the wrong path" and is an inefficient use of tax payer dollars.
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