Democrats Head to Court Over Right-to-Work Legislation
As a result of the newly signed right-to-work legislation in Michigan, Democratic lawmakers vowed to fight in court while union supporters fought on the steps of the capital.
The topic of right-to-work legislation has created heated discussions on both ends of the political spectrum.
Republicans maintain that it will have an economic benefit by encouraging all people to work without the issue of going through union delegation, making the labor force more competitive. It also states that workers will not be forced to pay unions directly for worker representation.
"This is about freedom, fairness and equality," said House Speaker James Bolger. "These are basic American rights – rights that should unite us."
However, those opposed to such measures endorsed by predominantly democratic supporters fear that such legislation will erode worker's rights and lead to lower wages and working standards, given that employers will be able to bargain directly with individual employees without having to appease union representatives.
During large protests at Michigan's Capital building in Lansing this week, state police had to temporarily shut the building down for safety reasons. This provided time for legislators to debate the issue during a session last week.
Opponents see this particular occurrence as an opening to file lawsuits in an attempt to stop any portion of the right-to-work legislation to be implemented.
One of the lawsuits that were filed stated that Michigan's Open Meetings Act was violated when the Michigan State Police temporarily shut down the capitol, which was reopened after a judge ordered an injunction regarding the lockdown.
The Open Meetings Act gives Michigan residents the right to be present during any meeting or session that is being conducted in the capitol as a way to make the governing practice more transparent.
"We're waiting for the court to strike down all the actions that took place while the building was shut down," Art Przybylowicz, an attorney who filed one of the lawsuits, said in a statement.
