Proposed Right to Work law debated
Posted: 03.12.2012 at 8:05 PM

Last week in Lansing, a union coalition launched their campaign to prevent Michigan from becoming a Right to Work state

MARQUETTE TWP. -- Union supporters have begun a campaign against Right To Work legislation being proposed in Michigan's state legislature. They argue workers would be hurt by the proposed law, but supporters say it would be good for business.

Last week in Lansing, a union coalition launched their campaign to prevent Michigan from becoming a Right to Work state, worried that new non-union employees would automatically have union benefits.

The proposed Right to Work law would not force employees to join a union or pay union fees as a condition of employment. Instead, workers can choose to join unions and pay dues if they feel it will benefit them.

Unions want to present the proposed change to voters in November, and they would need over 300,000 voter signatures to do so.

One state representative has already made up his mind on the issue based on constituents concerns.

"Whether they call me on the phone, or see me on the street, or see me at the door, people have been very clear about what they believe is the right answer for this area of the state, and I've heard them. My position, at this point, is, as a representative for this district, it is only appropriate to stand opposed to it," said Representative Ed McBroom.

And a U.P. business feels the same and thinks unions shouldn't be the primary focus right now.

"It's our hopes that this law does not come into effect or any other law similar to this. It's just not good for this time. It's not good for the unions, it's not good for job creation. We should be spending time in Lansing working on job creation," said U.P. Construction Council executive director Tony Retaskie.

If the law is passed in Michigan, it will join 23 other states as a Right to Work state.