LANSING, Mich. — Labor unions and their Democratic allies acknowledge there’s virtually no chance of preventing right-to-work legislation from being enacted in Michigan this week. But they’re planning to fight to the end — and seek payback at the polls.
The Republican-controlled state House and Senate are expected to put finishing touches as early as Tuesday on bills that would prohibit requiring employees to join a union or pay fees similar to union dues as a condition of employment. Gov. Rick Snyder says he’ll sign them.
Right-to-work supporters say it’s about improving the business climate and giving employees freedom of association. But unions say such laws bleed them of money and power to bargain for good wages and benefits.
Thousands of protesters are expected to converge on the state Capitol in Lansing.