Dems warn Snyder, GOP: Don't push right-to-work

Democratic legislative leaders warn Snyder, Republicans not to push right-to-work measures

12/5/2012

LANSING, Mich. — Democrats in Michigan's House and Senate say Republicans and Gov. Rick Snyder will pay a political price if they push right-to-work legislation to enactment in the waning days of the session.

Republicans hold solid majorities in both chambers and don't need Democratic votes to pass bills. But in a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol in Lansing, Democratic leaders said they'll use all legal means to resist legislation that prohibits unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers.

With an audience of cheering union members, Senate Democratic leader Gretchen Whitmer said so-called “right-to-work” laws are really meant to weaken unions and drive down wages and benefits for the middle class.

Snyder told reporters Tuesday that right-to-work legislation is now “on the agenda” but no bills have been introduced.