Michigan Is Officially A Right-To-Work (for less) State, But Critics Vow To Continue Fight

Last edited Thu Mar 28, 2013, 12:02 PM - Edit history (1)

LANSING, MI -- Michigan is officially a right-to-work state.

The controversial new law takes effect today, making the traditional labor stronghold the 24th state to prohibit new contracts that require workers to pay union dues or agency fees as a condition of employment.

Gov. Rick Snyder, who signed the legislation late last year, has said the law is already making Michigan more attractive to job creators.

"Michigan has had contact from multiple companies that have taken an interest in locating here as a result of (right to work)," spokesman Kurt Weiss confirmed, "but those are discussions best kept private as we continue to work with those companies. I think it's important to keep in mind that it's one tool that is part of our entire tool box designed to improve our business climate and encourage job growth."

Economists who have studied right-to-work laws in other states say it is hard to divorce the policy from other other factors that may impact job growth and prosperity. And while anecdotal success stories are common, the overall body of evidence isn't entirely conclusive.

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http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/michigan_is_officially_a_right.html