Tag: Freedom To Work (page 2)

The folks who are in the midst of the Freedom to work battle, and occupying the AFP tents.  To the high power individuals who stepped up and put this over the top. To the folks who are in the midst of deliberations, and will have to endure the phone assaults, curses, and procedural tortures ad nauseum. And to our state police who will be expected to keep the peace with little or no help from Virg Bernero's personal security detail (the Lansing Police). To the folks at home giving strength to our besieged legislators. And last but not least, to the the workers who have endured the dignity robbing pain of supporting illicit and unacceptable political agendas of union leadership, simply for wishing to put food on their families' table.

God bless you all tomorrow, and going forward.

Amidst several hundred bussed in union protesters (some of them being unruly - see below the fold) and threats of violence, the Michigan legislature passed two important measures ensuring labor freedom in our great state:

HB 4054 of 2011    Local government; other; right-to-work zone; permit. Amends sec. 14 of 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.14) & adds sec. 14a.

&

SB 0116 of 2011    Labor; collective bargaining; right-to-work zones; allow local units of government to establish. Amends sec. 14 of 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.14) & adds sec. 14a.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Snyder said he had kept the issue at arm's length while pursuing other programs to bolster the state economy. But he said circumstances had pushed the matter to the forefront.

"It is a divisive issue," he acknowledged. "But it was already being divisive over the past few weeks, so let's get this resolved. Let's reach a conclusion that's in the best interests of all."

He sounded good.  His words on the Freedom To Work legislation are identical to the words we have used here and elsewhere. Choice, opportunity, freedom.  His pledge to sign the bills as soon as they reach his desk could literally change the nation's future.  This historic event is nothing short of amazing and couldn't come soon enough.

Thank you to those who today wrapped up a very impressive Christmas present for all Michiganders, and the rest of the country as well.

Unions have bussed in their henchmen from outside the state, and its expected to to get a little uglier than this video from just a little while ago..

If you get 5 minutes, call your Representatives, and State Senators TONIGHT if you have their local numbers, and give them support.  Tomorrow if you do not.  Lets get this crap over and done with permanently, or forever have these thugs running the show in Lansing and our nation.

We are already hearing that he is attempting an end around with the labor leadership, and somehow the words "sneaky little $||IT" come to mind quickly.  The time is perfect with all strategic perspectives considered, and the fact that we need to worry whether a Republican governor would sign such important civil rights legislation is amazing.

As I have already mentioned, it was good to see Devos and Weiser join in the fight.  Now there is another high profile participant in the debate. A statement issued today:

"The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today its support for passage of "freedom to work" legislation that would prohibit employees in Michigan from being forced to join a union or provide financial support to a union as a condition of employment. Currently, Michigan employees can be forced to participate in a union and are required to contribute financially or face termination.

"After surveying the Michigan Chamber's general membership (85 percent support), receiving clear direction from our Board of Directors and carefully reviewing the impact Freedom to Work legislation would have on Michigan, it is clear that now is the time for bold and decisive leadership to pass comprehensive Freedom to Work legislation that applies to both the public and private sectors," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "This action would make Michigan the 24th state (after Indiana) to enact Freedom to Work legislation and it would help create and retain jobs in Michigan and improve our state's economic competitiveness."

"We support this legislation because it is good public policy that will protect all employees from being forced to join a union and pay dues against their will," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "It is important to understand that Freedom to Work legislation is allowed under federal law and does not prohibit a union's right to exist or prevent collective bargaining - it just gives every employee the ability to decide for themselves if joining and financially supporting a union is the right choice for them."

The Michigan Chamber represents approximately 6,400 businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm.

Well done, and good to see the support.

The failure of proposal 2 in November's election drove home the fact that Michigan is ready to become the 24th Right To work state.  The millions in big labor money spent to even further violate the civil rights of Michigan workers was not successful, and brought the issue out into a broader theater of debate.  The Freedom to Work organization (disclosure: I am a member) was joined by political heavyweights Dick Devos and Ron Weiser who are now calling for action on this important piece of Michigan's future.

"MIRS News reports former Michigan Republican Party chairman Ron Weiser and 2006 GOP gubernatorial nominee Dick DeVos are putting the pressure on in the Senate, where Majority Leader Randy Richardville doesn't want to take it up."

And labor leadership is freaking out. Kyle Olson, writes:

"Now the union is wringing its hands over a rumored Right to Work proposal that may be introduced and debated in the state legislature during the lame duck session.

On Tuesday, the union pressed the panic button and issued a screed to its members via email:

"With just a few weeks left in the Legislative session, right-wing politicians in Lansing are looking to exact political revenge against union members by ramming through dangerous bills that will harm school employees, middle-class families and children throughout Michigan.

"Their reckless agenda includes: ...

 ... "These extremist legislators must be stopped immediately. The Working Michigan coalition is holding events across our state tonight and tomorrow night to help mobilize union members and supporters in the effort to fight back."

It's hard to feel sorry for this group of tin-horned gangsters. They were in a good position and they got too greedy.

But we best not consider this a done deal until the guv's pen is to paper.

Your legislator needs your strength. Call them. praise them for their support of this basic civil right. Write them. Encourage them to act quickly and decisively. Call your friends and encourage them to do the same.  Watch the video below the fold to get a better understanding of why.

Update [2012-11-30 10:51:19 by JGillman]: As a bonus, here are a couple who REALLY want you to call them and offer support of Freedom to work. (H/T Jack Hoogendyk)

However, this important legislation protecting workers choices would be the shot in the arm for a still ailing Michigan economy.  It would create a more competitive atmosphere not only with other states, but would allow the global competitiveness we have previously enjoyed to return.  Its about time we do this, yet have faced a number of obstacles that ought not have been there.  The election clarified the will of the people sufficiently enough to understand that they are tired of having Michigan run by a few elite labor bosses, and its time for a change.

So when Jack Hoogendyk sends out this note:

"With all this compelling data, and circumstances being as ideal as they have ever been, what is holding up the legislation that has already been written, from being introduced in the House and the Senate?

The answer is apparently NOTHING. The Majority Leader of the Senate, Randy Richardville has previously gone on record opposing RTW in Michigan. But, last week, I received a communication from one of the members of the Republican Senate caucus. Here is what he told me: [Mr. Richardville] has supported RTW in the public sector and has pledged to whip the caucus on RTW in the private sector. Individually and as a caucus we strongly appreciate the openness of the SML (Senate Majority Leader) to member input.  

It is time to thank the Majority Leader for his willingness to give his caucus the opportunity to consider a vote on this pending legislation. Please contact Randy Richardville here and thank him. And then, contact your State Senator and express your support for making Michigan a Freedom-to-Work state and putting Michigan back on the map as the place to build a business!

Regards,

Jack Hoogendyk"

Is there, or not?

As many here may know, Michigan is one of the bluest of blue states in the country.  Historically, Right-To-Work has been talked about and immediately dismissed as improbable, if not impossible for Michigan, as it has been dominated by the political left, and a history of powerful unions.

The most recent election changing the legislature, judiciary, and executive branch to Republican held institutions has given hope to some UAW union members who started a grass roots effort for right to work in Michigan.  Given the new political make-up of Michigan's elected offices, it would appear that the time is nigh for such a move.

The political nature of support and intimidation by unions in some cases, leads to a certain reticence amongst legislators who might otherwise be seen as an automatic yea vote on such issues.  To offer support for those who might not be as comfortable taking a stand, it was thought that perhaps support from the local populations through the local governments would be helpful.  A resolution was drawn up and brought before the county commission in Grand Traverse County first on July 6th and then for a final vote on July 27th.

Even though the new governor has not really done anything to directly harm the unions, what he has done has established some choke points which put union desires at risk.  Desires, which of course rely on fiscally imprudent decision making, in times that cannot afford such decisions.  His line in the sand has met the oncoming rush of contracts they would like to have in place, and the new limits are getting under their skin.  Add to this, the reality of future liabilities and a quest by Lansing to deal with it in the manner chosen has prompted them to action.

Recalls, Protests, general aggravation.

Its the only tools they have.  The leftist driven leadership of the unions only know how to "persuade" through coercive measures.  Coercive being a subjective term I admit, however.  All the actions being taken to object to the decision making in Lansing are of course legal right? Well perhaps not, but who might be the first to call out shenanigans and be seen as a partisan.

But I digress

I get it.  I get the reasons the union leadership is pushing their recall and protest agenda.