The repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law went into effect this week, delivering an important victory for the state’s unions and workers.
“The day this repeal went in effect was a great day for all of labor,” Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) President Matthew Sahr said. “MPFFU members were exempt from the law, but we stood with our union brothers and sisters in this fight because stronger unions equal a stronger working class.”
The impact will be immediate for many workers in Michigan, researchers said. According to a report from the Economic Policy Institute, workers in right-to-work states make 3.2% less than those in states without the law. On average, the Institute said in a brief, that results in $1,670 less per year for a full-time worker.
The right-to-work law had prohibited unions from requiring nonunion employees to pay dues, even if they bargained on their behalf. The law was passed in 2012.
The move sparked thousands of union members, including IAFF principal officers and MPFFU members, to protest on the Capitol lawn. But state leaders were undeterred by the outcry and then-Gov. Rick Snyder signed the legislation into law.
MPFFU members continued to fight on behalf of unions until the repeal was passed in March 2023 and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. By law, the change could not take effect for a certain number of days.
Twenty-six states still have right-to-work laws.
