MARQUETTE -- There's power in numbers, and that's the message Marquette's Labor Council sent Lansing Wednesday night with a rally at the County Courthouse. Union officials said people are frustrated with Governor Snyder's budget proposals, and other recent legislation which they say targets the common worker.

Many at the rally say they have never seen the Circuit Courthouse steps more crowded than they were Wednesday evening. The area was packed with frustrated workers from all over the Upper Peninsula, about 500 of them, who demanded Governor Snyder's attention, and you could hear their cheers from just about any street corner in Marquette's downtown.

"I don't think our elected officials can ignore this kind of outpouring of discontent," said Chairman of the Marquette County Labor Council, Mike Thibault. "And I think the ones that think that they're not going to have to listen to us and debate the issues, I think they have to rethink that, and take a look at the legislation that's harmful to working families."

One major bill of controversy: the emergency financial manager law, which some say threatens collective bargaining rights. Teachers in Wednesday’s crowd fear their schools will fall victim to legislation.

"With the draconian cuts that are being made, they're trying to create financial emergencies and it would be very difficult for towns and school districts to avoid being a financial emergency under their current proposals," said Marquette High School teacher, Fred Cole.

Talking on behalf of the sea of voices shouting down to Lansing were eight speakers, starting with the Chairman of the Marquette County Labor Council, and wrapping up with former Congressional candidate Gary McDowell. McDowell offered this bit of advice for U.P. workers to grab Lansing's attention.

"Talking to your representatives, your senator, emailing them, phoning them, writing a letter and when they have town meetings, show up and express your opinion, how you feel because they were sent to Lansing to represent all of us."

Governor Snyder has said an aggressive agenda is needed to get Michigan's financial house back in order. But many at Wednesday's rally say the Governor is going too far, too fast. They say Wednesday's rally was the first of many protests to come against new laws in Lansing.