Michigan Lawmakers Pass ‘Right to Work’ Bills Limiting Union Power

By Georgianna Reilly, LMSW
SJS Staff Writer

In a somewhat controversial move, the Republican held Michigan House followed on the heals of the Senate and passed two “Right to Work” bills amid protests in the capital this afternoon. These legislations will allow workers at employers with unions to not pay dues, and will limit the powers of unions over all.

“Advocates of the bill say it will help attract businesses to the state, but critics say that it would weaken labor’s bargaining strength by cutting union financial resources without doing anything to bring in more jobs.”

Research has shown that workers in right to work states make less money than their union valued counter parts, mostly because the unions do not have as much power to push for raised wages. Ultimately, such a passage of right to work legislation in a largely union state is an area of concern for workers rights, and the labor movement entirely.