Right to Work Bills Pass Michigan House and Senate

On Dec. 6, 2012, the Michigan House and Senate passed bills that, if signed by Governor Rick Snyder, will give private and public sector employees the right to not pay union dues to a union representing an employer's employees as a condition of employment. The legislation addressing public sector employees includes all public employees except for police officers and firefighters. If this legislation becomes law, Michigan will become the 24th Right to Work state in the United States.

Because applicable procedural rules require that there must be a five-day period before Michigan's House and Senate can vote on the other chamber's bill, the legislation has not yet made its way to Governor Snyder's desk. During this five-day period there is expected to be a heavy lobbying effort by organized labor as well as proponents of the proposed legislation. Yesterday Governor Snyder said he will sign both pieces of proposed legislation into law when they reach his desk. If passed and signed, it is anticipated this proposed legislation will become effective 90 days following the end of the 2012 legislative session, making the effective date likely to be on or about April 1, 2013.

Given the impact this legislation would have on both private and public Michigan employers, Barnes & Thornburg's Michigan office will present a program regarding the practical impact that Right to Work may have on Michigan employers. The programs are scheduled for Jan. 3, 2013 and Jan. 17, 2013. More detailed information about these presentations will be available as soon as the Right to Work law is signed.

The Right to Work bills are House Bill 4003, House Bill 4054, and Senate Bill 116.

See also:

Right-to-Work Legislation Speeds Ahead in Lansing (Detroit Free Press)

Right-to-Work Bills Win Approval from Michigan Senate, House (Mlive.com)