Urgent Update

Senate Republicans have introduced a half measure that will give the Freedom to Work to a select few workers only.  This in effect waters down our push for Statewide Freedom to Work for all workers.  It will also provide them with the excuse not to pass our legisltion.  They will point to what they have already done and claim they can't do anymore.  That's why it is so important to let them know that we want Freedom to Work for everyone, not just a select few workers.

Nobody should be forced to not join or join a union.

There may be here and there a worker who for certain reasons unexplainable to us does not join a union of labor.  This is his right, no matter how morally wrong he may be.  It is his legal right and no one can or dare question his exercise of that right." 

- Samual Gompers, first and longest-serving President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Before the 20th century, unions were voluntary organizations where workers had the freedom to associate, or not associate, with anyone they choose.  Businesses could also choose to bargain with employees as individuals or groups.

We believe Samual Gompers is correct and we believe that Michigan should be a Freedom to Work state!

The evidence in support of this belief is vast:

• As of December 2010, Michigan has the third highest unemployment rate in the nation.
• In 1965, Michigan was 9th in per capita personal income.  Since then, 28 states have surpassed Michigan which has become a comparatively poor state, ranking 39th.
• Americans are moving from forced-unionism states to RTW states. As a result, forced-unionism states have lost a total of 25 Congressional seats over the past 30 years. [BLS/Census]
• From 1993-2009, private sector employment increased 37.9% in RTW states (15.8 million jobs) compared to 19.6% (14.5 million jobs) in forced-unionism states. [Haver Analytics/BEA]
• RTW states experienced a 497,041 net increase in private sector business establishments from 1993 to 2009. This is 46% greater than the 339,834 new private sector businesses added in forced-unionism states over that same period. [Haver Analytics/BLS]

I agree! Michigan workers should have the freedom to choose and Michigan should be a Freedom to Work state..  Please let my Legislators in Lansing know that they must support statewide Freedom to Work legislation and do everything possible to support a roll call vote!