Reminder: What Gov. Snyder just signed into law has lead to higher rates of poverty, lower wages, and more workplace fatalities. Graphic by Working America.
Despite the objections of Democratic lawmakers and the presence of thousands of protesters at the Michigan Capitol,Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed so-called “Right-To-Work” legislation into law just after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. These laws, which have garnered a lot of attention since Gov. Walker brought them to Wisconsin, make it illegal to require employees to pay union dues or join a union as a condition of employment.
Even President Obama’s administration had something to say about the laws to this evening’s events in Michigan. President Obama has long opposed so-called ‘right to work’ laws and he continues to oppose them now” White House spokesperson Matt Lerich told the Huffington Post. “The President believes oureconomy is stronger when workers get good wages and good benefits, and he opposes attempts to roll back their rights. Michigan – and its workers’ role in the revival of the US automobile industry – is a prime example of how unions have helped build a strong middle class and a strong American economy.”
These “right-to-work-for-less” laws will lower our standard of living, says Local 400 Secretary-Treasurer Mark Federici, adding that they increase inequality and drive the middle class out of existence. “For the Michigan legislature to try to ram this through in a lame duck session right after an election in which voters chose the opposite course is an outrageous betrayal of working families,” said Federici. “Governor Snyder and those like him need to be held accountable.” Click here to join thousands who have signed a petition against “Right-To-Work” laws in Michigan. Read more about today’s events in Michigan and view photos from protests in Michigan and throughout the country on Working America’s Facebook page.