In what the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) calls, "a massive win for working families," Democrats in Michigan have repealed the state’s Right-to-Work law and reinstated prevailing wage. UA General President Mark McManus hailed the move as a historic step forward:
“So-called Right-to-Work laws mean workers earn less, have fewer benefits, and fewer protections on the jobsite. For ten years, workers in Michigan have suffered at the hands of big business. No more. Elected Democrats in Michigan took historic action to protect working families,” said McManus. “By not only repealing Right-to-Work, but by reinstating prevailing wage for state projects, Michigan’s elected leaders sent a clear message to the working families they represent that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the right to earn fair wages and benefits, the right to a safe jobsite, and the right to collectively bargain. Today is a historic day not only for Michiganders, but for working families everywhere. These anti-worker laws have no place in our country.”
On March 24th, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, overturning a 2012 GOP law that allowed workers to choose not to join unions or pay union dues as a condition of employment, even if the union represents them in negotiations.
In signing the bill into law Michigan became the first state in more than half a century to repeal a right-to-work law.