By Doug Cunningham
Michigan Republicans are working on an anti-union so-called “Right To Work” law, with GOP Governor Rick Snyder saying it’s on the agenda at the state capitol. These laws are used to weaken and undermine labor unions by allowing employees at workplaces where workers have decided to unionize to opt out of being in the union. They’re still covered by collective bargaining agreements, forcing unions to bear the costs of making those agreements happen. The laws also allow employers to hire workers who oppose unions. Unions call the laws right to work for less, since workers in states that have passed the laws have lower average wages than in states that don’t have them. Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift says workers in right to work states make an average of $1500 less per year and are also less likely to have pension and health care benefits. Michigan’s Chamber of Commerce is pushing for the anti-union legislation. Michigan has less than two weeks remaining in the legislative session, so action on the legislation could come very soon.