Michigan officially becomes a right-to-work state Thursday.
But, as The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta reports, there’s still plenty of fights left over the new law that says employees cannot be required to pay union dues or fees.
Some Republicans are threatening budget sanctions for public employers that have signed extended labor bargains that would delay the effects of the law.
Labor groups plan to mark the day with protests and vigils, including one at the state Capitol. Governor Rick Snyder says he’s not concerned.
“Sometimes change is difficult for people and I appreciate that," he says. "But we need to keep moving forward and we’re showing progress, and I think you’re going to see a continuation of that progress.”
“This is a sad day, but it’s just another day in a continuing fight. This isn’t over with.”
This is Doug Pratt of the Michigan Education Association.
“This is a sad day, but it’s just another day in a continuing fight," he says. "This isn’t over with.”
There are at least three legal challenges to the law pending. And Democrats say right-to-work will be a big issue in elections next year.
