Posted on 12/07/2012 5:44:09 PM PST by Kaslin
Michigan is one step closer to becoming a Right to Work state. Last night, both the state House and Senate passed bills that would forbid the public sector unions from taking 2% out of workers’ paychecks for dues payments, regardless of whether or not they’re members. The bills can’t be passed into law until Tuesday, owing to procedural requirements, but they’re almost sure to prevail, at which point Gov. Rick Snyder has vowed to sign them.
The House and Senate each passed bills on the same day they were introduced that give private and public sector workers the right to avoid paying union dues in an organized workplace. Only police officers and firefighters would be exempt.
The package can't reach final completion until at least Tuesday because of procedural rules that require a five-day layover for two of the bills before they can be voted on in the other chamber.
The bills arose rather suddenly, as lawmakers were eager to get this passed in the lame duck session, and as Ed Morrissey notes at HotAir, so as to avoid the anarchy that overtook the Wisconsin statehouse two years ago. And although the scene in Lansing was nothing like the chaos in Madison, union activists attempted to storm the Senate during floor debates, resulting in temporary closure of the capitol building.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley repeatedly gaveled for order during the Senate debate as Democrats attacked the legislation to applause from protesters in the galley. At one point, a man shouted, "Heil Hitler! Heil Hitler! That's what you people are." He was quickly escorted out. Another later yelled, "We will remember in November."
Eight people were arrested for resisting and obstructing when they tried to push past two troopers guarding the Senate door, state police Inspector Gene Adamczyk said.
Protesters waved placards and chanted slogans such as "Union buster" and "Right-to-work has got to go." Adamczyk said the troopers used pepper spray after the people refused to obey orders to stop.
The Capitol, which was temporarily closed because of safety concerns, reopened Thursday afternoon, sending hundreds of protesters streaming back inside with chants of, "Whose house? Our house!" Adamczyk said a judge ordered the building reopened.
Breitbart also has a few fun, profanity-laced videos of protesters attacking pro-Right to Work activists here.
Of course, it’s worth remembering that these people are protesting their colleagues’ right to determine whether or not some of their paycheck goes toward union dues. All the while, however, they claim to protest the way this curtails “workers’ rights.” Hmm.
It’s also worth remembering what, exactly this bill does – indeed, it doesn’t affect collective bargaining, and in fact, Gov. Snyder made it clear he’s in favor of preserving that right:
Governor Snyder Speaks about Freedom to Work in Michigan
The fight’s not quite over yet, and indeed, the AFL-CIO tweeted that supporters should spend their weekends furiously phone banking in a last-ditch attempt to change some legislators’ minds. That doesn’t seem likely to happen, however – instead, the nation’s former bastion of union power seems poised to make some change.
Spoken by someone who hasn’t paid taxes.
The SEIU in Maine flew out some people to Michigan today.
And they never, EVER, will see the irony of it.
Clueless twits!
Union Intimidation at Michigan Capitol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzEm9ZnYb3g&feature=player_embedded
Someone needs to tell the union knuckledraggers that Right to Work does not mean that they’ll have to go out and find a real job. All it means is that people that have real jobs won’t have to pay some commie axelrodhole in the union for the right to get up in the morning an go to work.
Right now it is 25F and slight snow flurries. Predictions of more snow over the weekend. We need it as there has been a 2-year drought that has fire danger in the red zone.
Right now it is 25F and slight snow flurries. Predictions of more snow over the weekend. We need it as there has been a 2-year drought that has fire danger in the red zone.
They evidently know nothing about Hitler.
If they want to know something about Hitler, they can take a look at Obama.
thisproves howtotell lobs from conservatives.
libs shout heil hitler when government gives workers MORE freedom.
conservatives use hitler wen government takes away freedoms.
Will Nancy Pelosi be talking about Swastikas? She accused the TEA rallies of that when they weren’t there. Now here they are for real,,and it’s ok now?
The irony is they don’t realize that their point of view would be more in line with Hitler - They probably comprise of a bunch of “teachers” who think the word “Volkswagen” is just a name picked out of thin air.
they realize very very little like they live in a 2-d universeYou would probably enjoy Flatland. It speaks to your point (among other things).
The irony is that the political and economic system that the Unions support is, at best, Fascism (according to the classic definition developed by Mussolini).
I was thinking of Flatland and couldn’t remember the title
Dear AFT-Wisconsin members:
Last year, when our workplace rights were under attack by Governor Walker and his allies, our brothers and sisters from all over the country sent their support and assistance. Some of them even came to Wisconsin to march with us. As we marched around the State Capitol, I talked with faculty from Wayne State and PK-12 teachers from Detroit. Our brothers and sisters in Michigan stood with us.
Now, Michigan workers are under attack and they need our help. On Tuesday, the Michigan legislature will consider two bills to turn Michigan into a “right to work” state. “Right to work” laws prohibit a union from charging a fee to non members for maintenance of the contract. Membership declines, unions are weakened, and workers suffer when “right to work” laws are instituted. They are essentially “no rights at work” laws.
On Monday, a bus will leave the Milwaukee Labor Temple for Lansing. Please help us fill that bus. If you are able to take some time to march with your brothers and sisters in Michigan, please contact AFT-Wisconsin President Bryan Kennedy no later than 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 9. Your name will be forwarded to the organizers of the trip and we will get you a seat on the bus. There is no charge for taking the bus. AFT-Wisconsin will reimburse for the Monday night that you will spend in a hotel. PLEASE STAND WITH YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN MICHIGAN!
In solidarity, Bryan Kennedy, Ph.D. President, AFT-Wisconsin 6602 Normandy Lane Madison, WI 53719 608-662-1444 x232 www.aft-wisconsin.org
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.