Nothing scares Republicans more than the thought of workers having rights. Specifically, the right to bargain over their terms of employment, working conditions, wages, benefit, and so forth. So it stands to reason that the first thing they do when they gain power is to try to limit those rights as best they can. And now, although (or maybe because) Michigan is the birthplace of the UAW and traditionally a strong union state, they're trying it here.
I signed an online petition the other day, urging my state representative, Mike Shirkey, a Republican who owns a tool-and-die business and hates unions, to oppose the right-to-work legislation currently making its way through our Republican controlled statehouse. Since he sponsored the bill, I had little expectation that he would pay attention, but what the hell...
Below is his reply, delivered, conveniently, from a no-reply email addy.
Aside from the snide tone--a 7th grade civics student? I don't believe they offer civics in the schools since the last round of funding cuts, but whatever... The thing that struck me was the new and improved Orwellian term "Labor Freedom". Apparently they know right to work has become synonymous with low wages and union busting, so they're trying to rebrand. Join me below the orange squiggle for more...
The petition was straightforward, asking that he oppose the current legislation to make Michigan a right to work state, and that the rights of workers ought to be respected.
As a taxpayer and middle class worker, I strongly oppose any effort to make Michigan a so-called "right-to-work" state.
The legislation, supported by Rep. Mike Shirkey and Sen. Pat Colbeck, will give even more profits to greedy CEOs at the expense of our jobs, our retirement security, and our kids’ future.
Numerous economic studies have shown that these unfair laws won’t create jobs and will weaken the middle class. Even Governor Snyder has said he doesn’t want Michigan to become a "right-to-work" state.
To protect Michigan workers, please vote NO on the so-called "right-to-work" bill.
Here is what he has to say for himself...
Friends and fellow citizens throughout the 65th District....and beyond.
Even a 7th Grade civics class student understands that it simply isn't right to compel someone to join, align with, or financially support something they do not agree with.
Labor Freedom simply stated is "where unions are as FREE to make their CASE as workers are to make their CHOICE. There is nothing about the pending legislation that prohibits or even inhibits union membership.
There are two primary drivers for making Michigan the next Labor Freedom state. First, it would provide union members the ability to exercise the power of their check books and apply free market influence into the behavior of union leadership. Second, and most importantly, it would remove a very real obstacle to long term sustained investment in Michigan. Investment is how jobs are created. And, all things being equal, investors routinely choose Labor Freedom states over compulsory union states when making their decisions on where to build or expand.
The day after Michigan becomes a Labor Freedom state there will be no change in union membership. It would then be up to the respective leadership groups to make their CASE, deliver value, and listen to their members in order to maintain or even grow their ranks. It is interesting to note that the ONLY states in the last 10 years to have measurable growth in union membership.....have been Labor Freedom (Right to Work) states.
With the other reforms we have put into place since Governor Snyder has been elected, becoming a Labor Freedom state would launch Michigan to the top of the list of "where to invest". Only as a Labor Freedom state can we fully deploy all the natural and uniquely developed assets we enjoy to the benefit of the citizens of Michigan.
Let's remove this obstacle, free all workers to exercise their individual liberty and rights, stop the migration of our youth out of Michigan, and rebuild Michigan into the economic prominence it is capable of.
Serving with and for you,
Mike Shirkey
The entire thing is, of course, bullshit. This legislation is aimed at making it harder for unions to do their work by depriving them of funding. Under this legislation, it would be legal for a person to work in a union shop and not pay union dues, while still mandating that such a person be afforded all the rights and protections as a dues paying member. The union would have to represent them in any disciplinary or other matter, and they would receive full pay and benefits. All for free.
Think they'd go for that down at the country club?
There's more, too. A union would be required to recertify yearly, meaning more money spent for no good reason. Dues would not be automatically deducted from pay. All in the name of more freedom, of course.
This is from the party that believes everyone should pull their own weight, pay for their own stuff, and take full personal responsibility for everything in their lives. No subsidies, no free lunches.
But freeloading on the union, and letting your fellow workers pay for having someone else defend your rights and privileges, that's OK?
Just another day in Republican hypocrisy. It's all about the union busting.