Michigan Union Members Kick Off Fight Against Attacks on Workers (right to work law)

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/09/28/michigan-union-members-kick-off-fight-against-attacks-on-workers/

Barbara Stack White of the United Steelworkers (USW) sends us this first-hand account of the USW’s rally yesterday to challenge attempts by well-funded zealots to make Michigan a “right to work” for less state.

In Lansing, Mich., yesterday, an alliance of labor organizations led by the United Steelworkers’ Rapid Response activist network, launched a counterattack to defeat right-wing extremists who have audaciously brought their falsely titled “right to work” campaign to the home of America’s autoworkers union.

Three-hundred trade unionists rallied at the Capitol and then fanned out into lawmakers’ offices seeking signatures on pledges opposing any effort to place “right to work” into law in Michigan.

In states with “right to work” for less laws, the average pay for workers is 15 percent less than in states where workers have rights to collectively bargain contracts (including wages and benefits).

Despite a looming budget crisis in which Michigan’s governor threatened to shut down the government, those at the rally persuaded dozens of senators and house members to sign pledges against “right to work.”

State Sen. Mike Prusi (D), a former president of USW Local 4950, told the crowd:

“Right to work” has nothing to do with jobs or rights. It is about corporate profits continuing to skyrocket while workers’ wages remain stagnant or fall.

FULL story at link.