Posted on 10/07/2011 12:05:38 PM PDT by re_tail20
In this historic stronghold of the American labor movement, the phrase “right to work” is seen by many as fighting words.
But with a new GOP-controlled state Legislature and a Republican governor in place in Lansing, a move is afoot to make Michigan the 23rd state in the nation to adopt legislation that would prohibit unions and employers from regulating collection of union dues or requiring employees to join a union if their workplace is organized.
“We’ve got growing and substantial support in the Legislature for pursuing Michigan becoming a right-to-work state, but this is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s all about making sure we are removing all obstacles to jobs,” said state Rep. Mike Shirkey, Clarklake Republican.
“Everyone acknowledges that overcoming the 75-plus-year history of legacy unions here is not something you do overnight. But some of the polls statewide indicate the public is moving toward a direction of supporting workers having the choice,” he said. “I’m not anti-union. I call it labor freedom, where unions are as free to make their case as workers are to make their choice.”
A right-to-work bill fell short in 2008, the last time the question was put before Michigan lawmakers. But the balance of power in the state was different: Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm was in charge and Democrats held a stronger edge in the Legislature.
Those who support right-to-work laws say it is unfair to force those who don’t wish to join a union to do so, making them pay dues against their will in order to keep their jobs. Union proponents say it is essential to their ability to organize and negotiate on behalf of workers that the law prevent “free riders” — workers who benefit from the union’s work but don’t join or contribute dues.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Go, Michigan!! Let freedom ring!!
We’ve actually been more effective in beating back the unions than the states that have gotten coverage of it. That silence might actually be a good thing.
every state should be right to work.
Making a worker join a union and then telling him or her that they will have money taken out of their wages and then given to the political party of the unions choice is disgraceful and more or less extortion.
My old place was non union and we were based in MA at the time.
The union kept trying to make us union and we kept saying no as we made the same wages but we did not have to wait to be taken on full time .
Plus we did not have our money taken away from us and told to shut up when we see our money being given to candidates we do not want.
I mean what idiots would want to be in a union today and be told to give up some of your money to be given to agendas you do not agree with.
The house has already voted to end union dues payroll deductions for school employees and a “right to teach” law is expected to pass easily.
Its hard to be patient but it really is a marathon.
If they do become a right to work state, they’ll never go back. It’s nice to be able to tell a union gangster thug to go take a flying leap at a rolling donut.
Go-go, Michigan! Stand up!
Having lived in Michigan for several years, I have to say, this is stunning.
I never would have thought this possible given the extremely hard-headed union attitudes of my former neighbors. Good people, but truly steeped in economic thinking from the other side of the looking glass.
Would be a wonderful thing to revive a beautiful state if it happens.
The problem is the public sector unions that vote 100% RAT!
I’ve got a lot of rural UAW neighbors who are union by law, not by choice. Urban unionists are the real democrat ideologues.
I did notice the thinking was a little different in West Michigan and up north. Most of these union lemmings were in Oakland and Genesee Counties.
Exciting.
It won’t be easy. Snyder’s a RINO, although not a big union guy. Richardville, our senate majority leader is very pro-union (represents Monroe). This will be a tough, tough, tough fight.
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