For union activists, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's signing of a bill last week repealing a right-to-work law was a signal victory and a historic achievement. The law, which, like those that currently exist in 26 other states, prevented unions from forcing employees to join a union or pay dues to it in order to have a job. Naturally, unions have always regarded such legislation as an attack on their ability to organize, collectively bargain, and protect the rights of workers. More importantly, preventing right-to-work protections ensures a steady flow of funds into the coffers of a union movement that has been bleeding members for decades.

That's been true, even in Michigan, where the UAW—the auto workers' union that has now expanded to other industries—formed the activist heart of the movement, providing organizers, foot soldiers, and a bottomless well of campaign contributions for the Democratic Party. But after a sweeping victory in last year's midterm elections, Democrats found themselves back in control of both houses of the state legislature as well as the governor's office, where Gretchen Whitmer survived the blowback from her heavy-handed COVID regulations to win reelection.

Among the first items on Michigan Democrats' agenda was to reward their loyal union supporters by repealing the state's right-to-work law. Helping ensure the cash flow to their union donors makes sense and might even be good politics in Michigan—which remains bluer than many pundits...

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