12/7/12 - The Michigan Senate has passed right-to-work legislation, following earlier approval by the House and one local union activist says the effect will be a negative one for most working families. The bills would prohibit unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers, which opponents say would weaken organized labor's ability to bargain for good wages while supporters say it would boost jobs. A measure dealing with private-sector workers passed on a 22-16 vote Thursday after hours of impassioned debate. Four Republicans joined all 12 Democrats in opposition. Moments after it passed, the Senate passed a bill with similar provisions for government employees. Democrats walked out before the bill was approved on a 22-4 vote. Union activists repeatedly shouted protests from the gallery and cheered Democrats who denounced the measure. Among those who were in Lansing to protest the actions was Joe Carney, former head of the Livingston County Democratic Party and a long-time union member. He tells WHMI, the legislation is misleadingly called right to work, but instead should be called right to freeload. "I think it's going to have a devastating effect on the working people in the State of Michigan. I think that it opens up the doors for free-loaders into a system that helps bargain collectively for safety, health, welfare, retirement and job conditions." Carney says he doesnât believe that all workers should be in unions, but that a strong union movement strengthens good employers over bad ones. He thinks this legislation will tip that balance against workers. Governor Rick Snyder and GOP legislative leaders announced earlier Thursday they would put right-to-work on a fast track. Republicans denied opponents' claims it would weaken unions, saying it would make them more responsive to members. (Photo courtesy of Associated Press)
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