LANSING, Mich. (AP) — With defeat in the Michigan Legislature virtually certain, Democrats and organized labor intend to make enactment of right-to-work laws as uncomfortable as possible for Gov. Rick Snyder and his Republican allies while laying the groundwork to seek payback at the polls.
Shellshocked opponents of the
laws spent the weekend mapping strategy for protests and acts of civil
disobedience, while acknowledging the cold reality that Republican
majorities in the House and Senate cannot be stopped — or even delayed
for long by parliamentary maneuvers. Leaders vowed to resist to the end,
and then set their sights on winning control of the Legislature and
defeating Snyder when he seeks re-election in 2014.
Right-to-work laws prohibit requiring employees to join a union or pay
fees similar to union dues as a condition of employment. Supporters say
it's about freedom of association for workers and a better business
climate. Critics contend the real intent is to bleed unions of money and
bargaining power.
"You will forever remember the day when you thought you could conquer labor," Sen. Coleman Young II, a Detroit Democrat and son of the city's fiery late mayor, boomed during floor debate Thursday. "Be prepared to engage in the fight of your life."
"You will forever remember the day when you thought you could conquer labor," Sen. Coleman Young II, a Detroit Democrat and son of the city's fiery late mayor, boomed during floor debate Thursday. "Be prepared to engage in the fight of your life."
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