Michigan just made a huge change to its unionization laws! What does it mean, and how does it affect Michiganders?
Here are Five Fast Facts on the changes to Right To Work Law in Michigan:
- 🤔 What Is It? A right to work law means that workers aren’t required to join whatever labor union exists in their company (if there is one). It also means that paying union dues is optional and stops contracts that require only union workers. It’s that crazy thing called freedom of choice for workers and businesses!
- 📝 What Just Happened? Gov. Whitmer recently signed a bill repealing the state’s right to work law. Yup, it's gone. Michigan is the first state to repeal such a law in almost 60 years! Love it or hate it, that’s a historical moment!
- 👍 Supporters Say - This is a victory for Democrats and organized labor. They say that workers have been getting the benefits of union representation without having to pay the dues for it. No more gravy train, freeloaders! Now you gotta' join the union…
- 👎 Critics Say - Republicans and businesses say this repeal will force union membership for workers who don’t want it and make Michigan less attractive to businesses looking to come into the state. Who needs jobs, amiright?
- 💲 How It Impacts Your Paycheck - If you’re a worker in a unionized company, you likely get a higher paycheck – as much as 40% higher! Plus, you probably have better benefits and more job security. The downside is that you’re likely less happy, and you may not support the political things your union does with your dues. So…how much is that higher paycheck worth to you?
🔥Bottom line: Look, we get it. Everyone has to look out for their own wellbeing, so unions can be a good thing for your Paycheck and work situation. Just keep in mind that there’s every bit as much corruption in unions as in “the man” we talk about in corporate offices. And, even though union workers are about a 60/40 split between Dems and Reps, their political donation dollars go 99% to Democrat candidates and causes. It may still be the right call for you, but make sure you think about the bigger picture. Unless you’re in Michigan...then don’t bother. The deal is done, unions are flexing right now. 💪
Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Michigan?
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