Illinois Policy Institute - MEDIA ALERT: Michigan prepares to enact Right to Work

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MEDIA ALERT: Michigan prepares to enact Right to Work

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12/10/2012

MEDIA ALERT from the
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE

MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Rickert
Diana@IllinoisPolicy.org or (312) 607-4977

Union protestors flood Michigan state Capitol as governor prepares to enact Right to Work labor reform

Illinois Policy Institute labor expert available to comment on controversial law

WHAT: Michigan is on the verge of turning into law a major labor union reform that has prompted union protestors to flood the state capitol similar to the way they did in Wisconsin in 2011. As early as Tuesday, Michigan could enact Right to Work, also known as "worker freedom" laws, that allow workers to choose whether they want to pay money to labor unions at their workplace. Currently, if a union is established at a Michigan workplace, workers must pay fees and dues whether they want to be part of the union or not.

WHO: Paul Kersey, Director of Labor Policy at the Illinois Policy Institute, is available to comment on the legislation. Before joining the Illinois Policy Institute in April, Paul Kersey studied labor policy in Michigan at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Kersey also has worked for the National Right to Work Committee as director of state legislation. Kersey is available for print, radio and TV interviews throughout the week.

See video of Paul Kersey discussion the need for labor union reform here: http://youtu.be/MrMJgq_dQfU

For bookings, contact Diana Rickert 312-607-4977

MORE BACKGROUND: Workers in Michigan would no longer be forced to pay membership dues or fees to workplace labor unions if Gov. Rick Snyder signs a proposed Right to Work law.

The Michigan governor could sign the Right to Work law as early as Tuesday, which would make Michigan the 24th state to enact such legislation. Michigan has long been considered a union stronghold, and labor unions throughout the state have protested the law vehemently.

Right-to-work states have historically had better economic growth and job creation than non-Right-to-Work states. Michigan is one of the most heavily unionized states in the nation, and its decision to adopt Right to Work will send figurative shock waves that will be felt throughout the region, including Illinois.

In the midwest, Indiana and Iowa already are Right to Work states. In 2011, Wisconsin passed legislation similar to Right to Work for government union workers. If Michigan becomes the 24th Right-to-Work state, Illinois could soon follow.

For interviews, contact: Diana Rickert (312) 607-4977

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The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan research and education organization dedicated to making Illinois a beacon for liberty and prosperity for all citizens. As a leading voice for economic liberty and government accountability, the Institute engages policy makers, opinion leaders and citizens on the state and local level by promoting free market principles and liberty-based public policy initiatives for a better Illinois. To learn more about the Institute or review policy briefs, please visit: www.illinoispolicy.org.