Follow the action today on the AFL-CIO Live Blog.
This is huge. And it'll get bigger.
We have no doubt this is coming at us in Wisconsin.
So called "right to work" laws allow union-represented workers to not pay dues or fees for the representation they receive, even though their unions are legally-required to represent them.
UPDATE: Check out these story from PR Watch/Center for Media & Democracy...
ALEC-inspired, Union-busting Bill Narrowly Passes in Michigan as Koch Group Cheers
...Why the rush? The GOP majority felt it might not have the votes once the newly elected legislature was seated in January. The bill is designed so it cannot be repealed by popular referendum...
Standing tall behind the measure was David Koch’s Americans for Prosperity group, the non-profit organization that bankrolled Wisconsin Governor’s Scott Walker's efforts to strip the state's public employee unions of their collective bargaining rights. AFP ran a multi-million dollar ad campaign trying to convince Wisconsinites that unions were their enemy, sponsoring rallies and backing Walker to the hilt when he later faced recall over the measure.
The crowing began early this morning. "Michigan passage of right-to-work legislation will be the shot heard around the world for workplace freedom. A victory over forced unionization in a union stronghold like Michigan would be an unprecedented win on par with Wisconsin that would pave the way for right to work in states across our nation," said Scott Hagerstrom, Michigan director of AFP in a statement.
UPDATE #2: From the Wis. State AFl-CIO
The fight is not over. Due to legislative rules, the bill is held for 5 days. We have the weekend to stand up for our rights and tell Michigan’s Gov. Snyder that this anti-worker bill is wrong. Sign this petition against RTW or call Gov. Snyder at (517) 373-3400. There will also be a rally on Tuesday in Lansing. Supporters will be gathering at 9:00 a.m. at the state Capitol.
Please check the Michigan AFL-CIO Face Book and Twitter pages for updates over the weekend!!!!!
