Soon, The UAW Might Call A Right To Work State Home

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

This is going to be interesting: Michigan lawmakers are expected to introduce right-to-work legislation today, Michigan’s Republican Governor Rick Snyder is for it, the UAW, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan is fiercely against it.

Hundreds of unionized workers converged on the state capital of Lansing today to voice (loudly) their opposition against the law. Reuters already talks about a repeat of Wisconsin where a similar law in 2011 “sparked massive protests and unsuccessful efforts to recall Republican Governor Scott Walker.”

Michigan had the fifth highest percentage of workers in the country who are union members in 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Geekcarlover Geekcarlover on Dec 06, 2012

    The biggest part of this story is that it's being considered at all. It's a sign of the weakening status of unions that politicians in Michigan can openly debate the virtues of going with "Right to Work". 20 years ago any politician would only have mentioned it as part of their resignation speech.

    • See 5 previous
    • Baggins Baggins on Dec 07, 2012

      @dtremit Xeranar - you might be the most blindly partisan poster on this site. Here in california, the teacher union essentially runs the state. Political adverts paid for by them dominate the airwaves. They spent TENS OF MILLIONS pushing thru yet another tax increase for california. For very Koch brother, there's a Soros. You are utterly delusional.

  • Waterview Waterview on Dec 07, 2012

    It's interesting that one of the best statements on the topic was made by "Hank" who posted the very first comment. Unions may be good or bad (not for me to determine), but why is it inherently "wrong" to give a worker the opportunity to choose whether or not he wishes to join and whether or not the worker chooses to support the union financially? If a given union's merits are compelling, one would think that workers would be glad to join and support financially. Reverse is true also. Cudos to Hank for pointing out that each individual should have the liberty to make the best choice for themselves.

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