3/28/13 - Right to Work legislation takes effect today, and last night the Livingston County Democratic Party heard from representatives of United Auto Workers Region C1 on the topic. The right-to-work laws passed late last year make it illegal for unions to require the payment of dues as a condition of employment. Supporters of the law say it will improve the business climate of the state, while giving workers the option to not support a union which is ineffective or supports political causes they oppose. Last night, UAW Region C1 Political Director Art Luna said the laws were designed to weaken Michiganâs unions, which could be forced to dedicate more time to retaining members and less time to collective bargaining. UAW representative Tim Hughes also spoke at the meeting, saying in his 45 years working with the state legislature he had never seen legislation passed in such a rushed manner as the right-to-work bills. Luna says four cases challenging the legislation are facing the State Supreme Court right now, and while they are pending his union is focusing on educating its members as to why they should continue to pay dues and oppose right-to-work legislation. Hughes also says that he expects only a small number of UAW Workers to stop paying union fees after the current contract expires in 2015. Although audience members joked about harassing workers who did not pay dues, Hughes says those workers can probably expect some resentment but very little in the way of harassment. The speakers also emphasized the importance of the 2014 election, as well as the need for a high voter turnout among unions to elect Democrats or labor-friendly Republicans. (TD)
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