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Right to Work in Michigan
Greetings,
Republicans have begun a campaign to
make Michigan a Right-to-Work
state!
Representatives Robert
Gosselin (R- Troy) and Leon Drolet (R-Clinton Twp.) have
introduced a two bill legislative package that would make
Michigan a right-to-work (for less) state. Gosselin’s
bill, HB 5771 would impact public employees, Drolet’s
bill, HB 5772, would impact private sector workers. These bills
have been referred to the Commerce Committee.
These
bills increase corporate profits by destroying unions, cutting
worker pay and eliminating benefits. Republican
gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos and his wife Betsy are
already on record as believing that Michigan workers make too
much money and support making Michigan a right-to-work state.
With the Legislature controlled by the Republicans, Governor
Jennifer Granholm is the only person who is preventing Michigan
from becoming a right-to-work (for less) state.
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Please help stop
this anti-union legislation by sending an email today to
your state representative and state senator asking them to
oppose the Right-to-Work
bills. |
Only you can help stop
Michigan from becoming a right-to-work (for less) state.
For more information on right-to-work in Michigan,
go to www.miaflcio.org/rapidresponse/RightToWork
Thank you for your help.
Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Representative (if you live in Michigan)
Your State Senator (if you live in Michigan)
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: Oppose Right-to-Work in Michigan
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
I am writing to ask you to oppose HB 4454 and 4455, which would make Michigan a right-to-work state.
These bills don't guarantee any rights. In fact, by weakening unions and collective bargaining, it destroys the best job security protection that exists: the union contract. Meanwhile, it allows workers to pay nothing and get all the benefits of union membership. Right-to-work laws say unions must represent all eligible employees, whether they pay dues or not.
These bills are also unneeded because federal law already protects workers who don't want to join a union to get or keep their jobs. Federal law also protects nonmembers from paying for union activities that violate their religious or political beliefs.
Workers in right-to-work states earn less money and are less likely to have health insurance and a pension. Is this what you want for Michigan?
For these reasons, I ask you to oppose House Bills 4454 and 4455. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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What's At Stake:
How Will Michigan Workers be Impacted by Michigan Becoming a "Right-to-Work" State?
For one thing, they will make less money. Michigan workers are paid an average of $7,601 a year more than workers in states that have attacked paychecks with "Right-to-Work" laws.
They will be less likely to have health care coverage. Once again, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 89 percent of union workers in private industry had health insurance compared with only 67 percent of nonunion workers. Union workers also are more likely to have retirement and short-term disability benefits.
They will be less likely to have a have a pension. 70 percent of union workers are covered by a defined benefit pension plan versus only 16 percent of non union workers.
They will also be more likely to get killed on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of workplace deaths is 51 percent higher in states with right to work, where unions can’t speak up on behalf of workers.
Take Action!
Only you can help stop Michigan from becoming a "Right-to-Work" (for less) state. Please contact your state representative and state senator today and ask them to oppose the Right-to-Work Bills.
Campaign Expiration Date:
December 31, 2008
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