One of the most controversial issues facing the newly-elected Democrat-controlled Michigan Legislature in January will be the future of the state’s ‘Right To Work’ law. It essentially says workers can’t be forced to join a Union or pay union fees in order to work at a job in Michigan. The non-partisan, non-profit Newsroom at BridgeMichigan in Lansing has taken a deep-dive look at the issue. It is re-printed here, written by www.BridgeMI.com reporters Mike Wilkenson, Paula Gardner and Lauren Gibbons.
Michigan business groups are wary of Democrats’ calls to repeal Right-to-Work laws when they take charge in Lansing early next year, saying the state instead should focus on economic policies that attract jobs.
Business Leaders for Michigan, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and chamber leaders from the state’s two largest cities — Detroit and Grand Rapids — all urge caution. But Democrats — who are backed heavily by unions including the Michigan Education Association and United Auto Workers — say the move prioritizes workers and labor rights.
Right-to-Work has “negatively impacted the state,” said House Speaker-elect Joe Tate, D-Detroit.
“Obviously, labor has been (and) is a part of the fabric of the state of Michigan,” he said. “Our workers here should be supported and treated with dignity as well in the work that they do.”
Right-to-Work, which was approved by Republicans in 2012, allows workers to opt out of paying dues in union-represented jobs but still receive benefits.
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