Michigan, Longtime Union Hotspot, Becomes A Right To Work State

Republican super majority pushes anti-union bill through, but will it stick?

Michigan has become the 24th right-to-work state after Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed a right-to-work bill. The law was rushed through the state legislature last Thursday. The law could be a death knell for union strength in the famously union-friendly state.

The law will outlaw requirements for workers to pay union fees as a condition of employment in unionized workplaces, according to Detroit News.

Unions from across the state, reportedly over 10,000, took to the Lansing State Capitol building to prostest the bill's passage, but to no avail.

Governor Rick Snyder (R) was previously cautious about right-to-work legislation, saying he'd rather focus on tax and regulatory reform, but signed the bill into law late Tuesday afternoon.

Repeal of the law is unlikely as state Republicans, commanding majorities across the state government, included an appropriation making it invulnerable a popular vote challenge.

Unions in Michigan attempted to amend the state constitution in a proposition bid in November. The amendment would've permanently established union powers in the state, but the ensuing multimillion dollar campaign failed, and voters rejected the bid by 58 to 42 percent.

Via Reason and Detroit News.

Do you think right-to-work legislation is a good idea?

[Jack-Black]

It is not anti union bill. It is a bill that gives people a CHOICE on weather or not to join a union or not instead of being forced to do so.

[Jack-Black]

BTW, Some of the union THUGS are rioting in Michigan.

[marine1]

It's kinda like removing a long time discrimination against people who want a job, where has the ACLU been all these years. I hope Illinois is next.

[FFX_VA]

@marine1 The Chicago democrates will never allow that to happen.

[DogLady_1]

Indeed! I consider it extortion to force people to join a union in order to work. It should be a choice. My own state is a right-to-work state and I am glad of it... we have a tough enough time getting jobs for everyone without some union controlling the pay rate and labor agreements. The agreement of hours/pay/work conditions are between you and your employer... it is a private business contract. And if you are willing to work for less pay, you should be allowed to do so. It's nobody's business.

[marine1]

@FFX_VA Were are in the process of giving chicago back ti WI....:)

[WilliamWallace]

Now they need to become an At-will state.

[Z_SKI_54]

Michigan has been an at will State for decades!!.. What does that have to do with RTW??

[Sonny]

@Z_SKI_54 Its just yet one more final nail in the coffin of the middle class worker...(a dying breed, in this country today).

[Ashstop]

A person should have a right to choose, the unions have quit representing the worker and represent their own interest

[DogLady_1]

agreed... too many unions have priced themselves right out of a job! Hostess Bakery comes to mind...

[Kufan]

You clearly have no union affiliation! I work at a union job and if it wasn't for that union job I would have lower wages no job protection Horrible health care benefits no pension fewer vacation days need I go on? if you don't want to be in the Union don't apply for a union job period!! Don't apply for a union job and expect to get all of those benefits without paying union dues it's not going to happen!

[Ashstop]

@Kufan
You are wrong!! 32 years in a union , was out 10 weeks this year, international came in, took over for local and settled for no pension But! They got control of the new 401 the company set up for our retirement!! The whole strike was about losing pensions!! They got what they wanted and left us high and dry, our union is 2 years behind on grievances, Company does anything they want and union is silent, oh yea, dues going up in January!! Look up " unionsfacts.com " Our local secretary makes over $40,000 a year more than the average union employee where I work

[Kufan]

@Ashstop It's not all unions! And I suppose there's no unfair work practices in the normal workplace where unions don't exist. Do you have a job sounds to me like you might not if it wasn't for the union!

[Kufan]

@Ashstop Another piece of advice don't be a contract laborer with the unions sticker on your helmet. I work for a company where you go to the same job everyday! Plus it sounds like you are a contractor construction work is down not the Unions fault. You can blame your idiotic president for that.

[Fishbone345]

People taking money from your paycheck, without your desire for it? Unheard of!
Oh wait... forgot about the IRS.

[Just_Lisa]

Well said! I had to more then up vote you here!😀

[marine1]

they are next:)

[twinertia]

Lower wages, fewer health care plans, and shrinking pensions: congratulations, Michigan! You're officially entered in the race to the bottom. Slap on your jersey and try not to twist an ankle.

[CaryNickel]

You apparently haven't been to Michigan in a while. Seen Detroit lately? It looks like bombed out London during WW2. Michigan is already near the bottom, and that's the legacy of over half a century of union domination. Wisconsin passed "right to work", and their unemployment rate has already dropped. The proof is in the results. Forced unionization was NEVER a good idea. For states that still have it, your time has long passed.

[Fishbone345]

@CaryNickel The way Detroit looks and Michigan's status isn't just due to the Unions, its a plethora of factors all combined that did the damage to that area.

[bsking]

little reality check for you... top tens performing States all right to work except for 1.. state of Washington which does not tax corporate or individual .

top 10 worst performing States... all unionized.

the unions are nothing but money launderers for the DNC.

they are hand in hand with the Communist Party. and just like the Democratics they keep their members dumb and happy with gifts they steal from others. good riddance.

[bsking]

@Fishbone345 that's right you have to factor in the progressive legislative " successes" over the years that help to turn the landscape of Detroit and other Democrat cities throughout the Rust Belt into spitting images of Nagasaki

[Mia]

@Fishbone345 unions and liberal, progressive politicians have worked together to do their damage.

[Zazziness]

Lucky, lucky people. The right to work for less than minimum wage. The right to be fired at any moment for any reason or none. The right to work insane hours in unsafe conditions. Gosh, their representatives are really watching out for their best interests!

[crusader]

Right to work legislation makes it harder to fire employees than "at will" states even those with unions. I was fired without just cause, from a state position but would not have been had Ohio been an right to work state. That specific place I worked is notorious for frivilous firings during the one year probation. After one year and you are in the union you still have little more job security as the union does next to nothing to represent anyone that gets fired from there. At will legislation which change all of that and requires a long process to fire people.

[Fishbone345]

Zazz, don't take this the wrong way. I'm merely starting a dialog with you on your post, I am by no means defending Anti Union people.
I live in a state where I guess you could call us a "Right to Work" state. There is little to no Union presence here. In my lifetime, other than when I served in our countries military, I've never had a hard time finding a job. My pay was fair and competitive to others in the state and area where I lived. I've never been fired for "any reason or none". And while I work some rather insane hours, its part of the gig when you work in Medicine. I don't work in unsafe conditions, as a matter of fact the hospitals are held to high standards in accordance with regulation groups.
I realize not everyone has the same situation I have, but our employment rate is doing well as compared to some areas of the country, as is our states economy.
So screaming that the "Sky will fall" is a bit excessive.

[Zazziness]

@Fishbone345 Here's how I see it: we know what life was like for workers when Unions didn't exist. Any advancements since then have been solely due to workers joining together and demanding fair treatment. Whether you are in a Union or not, you enjoy those benefits because Unions made them standard. (Safe working conditions is also thanks, in part, to the government.) When companies are allowed to treat workers any way they please without check, history shows what we wind up with eventually: feudalism. And frankly, I think that's the direction the conservatives keep trying to push us.

[Fishbone345]

@Zazziness I'm not debating you on the wonderful things that occurred due directly from Union's presence. That's a no brainer, you are right.
But, forcing people to pay Union dues if they don't wish to belong to a Union? That's just as bad as Government stripping liberties from us. Union's having power to influence elections? They are no better than large corporations like Walmart. And those workers they supposedly care about? Get to suffer the effects of not having a voice.

[ST_Louie_Sue]

That is the biggest bunch of hogwash I've seen in a while. Lies lies lies.

[PNWest]

Hopefully this is just another example of the GOP slitting it's own throat. The dems will make them pay in 2014 if not before then.

[methinks]

I thought Dems were all about choice? If a woman's right to choose is a good thing, what about a worker's right to pay union dues?

[PNWest]

@methinks http://mediamatters.org/research/2012/12/06/w...

Obama was right that these kinds of laws are really right to work for less.

However if I am wrong then I am sure that Michigan will reelect the GOP governor and legislature next time around.

[mtkopf]

@PNWest that is a great link. I used to be in a union and mine was great.
Another blow to middle class America.

[mtkopf]

@methinks that worker CHOSE to work a union job.

[PNWest]

@mtkopf The republicans had to sneak this through in the lame duck session. It's up to the people of Michigan to make them pay. Hopefully they will. With any luck the unions will publicize the names of the republicans that voted for this so their fellow citizens can tell them what they think about their actions.

[DARSB]

For a group that carries on so much over mooches, freeloaders, and others supposedly on the receiving end of government gifts the conservative reaction to this bill is crazy. Now, thanks to a conservative legislature and governor, people in Michigan will be able to enjoy the benefits of the union contracts without contributing a single dime to the organization that makes those benefits possible.

[Fishbone345]

Moochers and freeloaders line both sides of the spectrum, the only difference is who they bum it off of.

[PoliticalSpice]

You got it wrong, conservatives say they oppose freeloaders & moochers, but sign right up for medicare & social security soon as they can. "i earned it" they claim all to quick to take benefits subsidized by the tax dollars of others...

[Stratton]

@PoliticalSpice - I am a conservative. I have been unemployed for two years and have not taken one dime of financial assistance from the government. Sorry if that blows up your little fantasy.

[PoliticalSpice]

@Stratton Doesn't blow up a thing. first of all I never mentioned unemployment, which you may be shocked to beleive I don't beleive in. There should be a job matching service, retraining and government jobs. Not make work jobs, but jobs we need done, refurbishing infastructure, building a hi speed rail system, etc.
You are a tiny minority, most the older people at those tea party rallies who were asked admitted taking medicare, all the while demanding the govt stay out of medical. Visit the thread "walmart strike, win or lose" you'll see an example of some guy here on politix complaining about others, calling them takers and lazies, admitting he is on social security and medicare. Not the first person i have encoutered here. Sorry to tell you, most your compatriots are a bunch of hypocrites.

[NO-BAMA]

What about all the Union caused violence today? Or, is this website waiting for a way to blame it on Republicans before they post anything about it?

[Fishbone345]

So, just out of curiosity. What is it you are hoping for with a story like that? A place to rant? You are doing that right here just fine. News reporting? From the posts I've seen, there aren't many people that don't know whats going on up there.
So, what is it you are seeking?

[marine1]

@Fishbone345 Perhaps a total accounting of how unions handle legal opposition when they are legally out manoeuvred.

[Fishbone345]

@marine1 A "total accounting"? I think you are thinking a bit beyond the scope of a political forum site.

[mtkopf]

Well on world news with Diane Sawyer they have not shown any violence. I am not saying its not happening just that ABC news isn't shoeing it either.
Btw who is showing the violence?

[NO-BAMA]

@mtkopf Google - union violence in Michigan

There's even a story of how the "civility" of the white house wont condemn the violence that their union pals are doing. I wonder if that's Barry's way of having a temper tantrum because his parties biggest donor/supporters thugs are possibly going to lose a large amount of campaign donations?
Watch fox news at 9:00 pm (est), they have video.

[Fishbone345]

And just like that, the Right goes from saying any horrible thing that comes to mind about Detroit and the people that live there, to bestest friends with the state of Michigan. People crack me up.

[Neo_NtheMatrix]

I am so happy. Rick Snyder finally did something right for the state of Michigan. Take that unions. You thought we weren't going to be able to reclaim our nation once again? We might not be able to reclaim it on the national level, but we will reclaim America state by state by state.

Hallelujah Rick Snyder!

[Jeff_Woehrle]

Excellent job! However, the union thugs were out in force to intimidate. Good to see that people stand up to the intimidation and give folks to right to not be in a union.

[S-N-A-F-U]

Almost half the country is 'right to work'-- A Right to Work law secures the right of employees to decide for themselves whether or not to join or financially support a union. And if you do, your dues go to elect those that you may not agree with, but you have no say. The unions have out lived their usefullnesss long ago....RIP!

[Zazziness]

Nice of them to enjoy the benefits Union workers have won for them without actually paying any dues or offering support in any other way. Oh, wait. I don't think "nice" is really the word I was looking for.

[joyshusband]

@Zazziness 47% of Americans enjoy benefits without actually contributing.

[S-N-A-F-U]

@Zazziness

'Choice' is a liberal mantra, except when it comes to an alternative perspective that doesn't fit their fragile ideology.

I have no problem with private sector unions trying to establish themselves, even in a 'right to work state,' if its accomplished in a democratic manner without threats or intimidation. It's should be the workers CHOICE, not what force-full means dictates.

However, I'm against 'public sector unions'-- In numerous cases folks in these unions make more money than those who support them through their taxes. That's why California is on the brink of bankruptcy, and where a number of cities are either going through bankruptcy or on the verge as well -- all because of excessive benefits payed to union members by local governments, that even the private sector don't enjoy.

As a former law enforcement officer, I belonged to public sector union called PERS, which covered ALL public sector employees. At the time, members retired and received full pay and benefits, the same as when they were working full time, this on its face is insane! Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once lamented: ".... eventually the state will run out of other people's money [to spend]--- As this govt. and California are currently learning.

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/the-case-aga...

[S-N-A-F-U]

@joyshusband

The benefits they enjoy, is through their hard work, dedication and worth determined by those that PAY their wages.

[joyshusband]

@S-N-A-F-U Actually I was talking about the 47% who don't contribute but enjoy many benefits from our tax dollars, that's ok, but don't dare let a non union worker benefit without paying dues. Kinda like lefties being "pro-choice" when you're talking about abortion, but not when your choice is to not join their union, or school choice.

[mtkopf]

People in right to work states make an average of $1500 less than union states(stat provided by Diane Sawyer).
The Republicans bitch about class warfare by dems, but if this is not another outright attack on the middle class than I don't know what is.

[Zazziness]

The truly sad part is that the working class is so easily suckered in to working against its own best interests. It's another thing that I absolutely loathe about the Republican Party. This nation use to respect labor but now? Some working class people actually will beg to be treated like dirt. It's a sad day to see.

[ZappaCrappa]

An average of 1,500 less. Of course, a very large chunk of that 1,500 is paid to the union in the form of dues which range from 400 on the low end to 1,200 on the high end so the worker never really sees much of that 1,500. All used to subsidize union bosses, of which several make well over 500,000 a year.

[mtkopf]

@ZappaCrappa so one still gets more $. And they also get health benefits and a pension where those in rtw states are less likely to get.

[Tralee]

Actually in right to work states you have to factor in the cost of living and when that's done it's usually the exact opposite, lower dollar wages (by an average of up to $15.00 a week) perhaps, but those dollars go a lot further and, of course, no dues need be paid. Granted, this won't suit the agenda of the Diane Sawyer's of the world, but truth is there really is no way to accurately compare the two. The unemployment rate is routinely LOWER in right to work states, again, a stat. that does not fit into the agenda of the Diane Sawyer's of the world. So, rather than an attack on the middle class, it may very well prove a boon to the middle class, higher wages and no dues to pay.

[mtkopf]

@Tralee no not higher wages. As a former union tile setter I made $32/hr plus employer provided healthcare plus pension plus annuity. That was 11 years ago before I blew out my back.
Currently, guys in non union shops make $16/hr with no healthcare, pension or any other plan.
Now your stats don't fit everyone else's saying rtw states have a higher median income. You can be like fox news and skew your stats any way you want, you can regurgitate everything they say, but the unions built the middle class and the unions fight against the greed of business owmers , whether you like it or not.

[CCR]

Thank God I work in at "at will" state.

[cat2009]

Look at the majority that occupy Detroit and you see why it looks the way it does. And this bill passing will only make employees accountable for themselves and the work the put out, the union doesn't offer any exclusive benefits that the company can't provide a non union employee. This is just union hype. And Obama needs to mind his own business.

[mtkopf]

Go look at pnwest post and the link he provided. Rtw states have less employer paid health benefits, less likely to have any type of pension and get paid considerably less.
And as this is just another attack on middle class AMERICA by Republicans, yes this is the business of the President.

[cat2009]

Thank you once again mimi57

[cat2009]

@mtkopf the business of the president is the affairs of the country not to go and incite the people like he did

[mtkopf]

@cat2009 so it wad Obama who forced s union bashing bill thru a lame duck state legislature... that type of inciting? I dont think so.
Maybe you don't remember the same thing happened in Wisconsin a couple of years ago with the same type of demonstration.
The president's speech wasn't what incited these people to demonstrate the union bashing, middle class destroyers of the Republican party got these people in an uproar.

[cat2009]

@mtkopf nobody bashed the union n all this bill does is let people n the opt out n work there if they choose to n he should not have said that this bill will have them working for less not what it doed

[jmann88]

What about the 47% not payin taxs and getting benefits? No difference.

[Grubby]

As the nation becomes more liberal/socialist, more and more states become more conservative. Interesting to see how the populous liberal states will do in the future (California, New York, Illinois) when compared with the conservative states. Any bets? I would bet the liberals think that all these states becoming more conservative will "see the light" and want to become more like the liberal states. Don't count on it.

[Zazziness]

Right now the red states get far more federal funding than the blue states. Just FYI but the blue states are basically financing them.

[Grubby]

@Zazziness As the blue states quickly go into bankruptcy...HaHa, I doubt it, but I hope you are right. California and Illinois are already a lost cause.

[Nemesis3X]

@Zazziness That's really not true. That's more Democrat fuzzy math, like the kind they used for Clinton's surplus. Yes many of the supposed "red" states receive more "funds per person vs the amount of taxes they pay", but the majority of those funds are actually defense funding. That is even the case in some smaller blue states. In reality, you shouldn't complain because blue states actually receive much more in the actual totals. Not to mention, the blues actually gained a few more states this past election. Meaning, the want-to-be socialist are actually doing just that....The producers are paying for the many more non-producers, especially in respective tax locations. I can point fingers at many on here that will or want to throw out their "you're ignorant and don't know what socialism is, blah, blah, blah, mantra" but the fact is politicians and especially Dems promote nothing more than a bastardized mix of socialism and communism (mainly the worst of both), extorted through taxation. We're nothing but a bunch of suckers supporting the political elite who are all in bed with the financially elite!

[mimi57]

Not without the Union Thugs shedding blood...That's what they do, it's all they know. Typical uneducated thugs!

[PoliticalSpice]

As opposed to the typical uneducated conservative verbal thugs that populate this site?

[ZappaCrappa]

Always amused when union supporters scream about company greed yet they never stop to think about union greed as the heads of these unions make a mint doing nothing but organizing unions, give themselves large salaries, massive retirement plans, and live lavish lifestyles while skimming off the retirement funds of their members.

[bsking]

and now that the laws passed and the little Union cry babies have lost... we will hear their bosses screaming to Obama for their quid pro quo.... see the union members are going to steal their money from someone if they can't get it from the greedy company owners.... they will get it from the greedy American taxpayer.. I'm really hoping this is this stake that's driven through the heart of these blood suckers