- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Michigan Passes Controversial Anti-Union Right-to-Work Law

Subscribe
As thousands shouted in protest outside the Michigan state Capitol Tuesday, state lawmakers voted to pass two bills banning mandatory union membership as a condition for employment for both government and private-sector workers, a move that will sharply limit labor rights in one of the most pro-union states in the nation.

WASHINGTON, December 12 (RIA Novosti) - As thousands shouted in protest outside the Michigan state Capitol Tuesday, state lawmakers voted to pass two bills banning mandatory union membership as a condition for employment for both government and private-sector workers, a move that will sharply limit labor rights in one of the most pro-union states in the nation.

And Michigan Governor Rick Snyder wasted no time signing the legislation into law, making Michigan, home of the US auto industry, the 24th “right to work” state in the country, making the payment of union dues voluntary even though unions negotiate on behalf of workers.

Those in favor of the legislation believe it will allow workers to “choose for themselves what is best for themselves,” said Republican state Rep. Marty Knollenberg to local media.

Rep. Sander Levin, the ranking democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee disagreed.

“Workers want a voice and…they want to be sure when conditions are set they’re part of the process,” he said in an interview with MSNBC.

State police estimated that as many as 10,000 demonstrators, some shouting “shame on you,” protested outside the state Capitol.

 

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала