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Hundreds of workers throng the Michigan state capitol last Thursday, Dec. 6, in protest against anti-union legislation. The capitol was closed last week.

SEEING RED! Unions, Supporters to Wear Red, Descend on Lansing Tuesday

Michigan to Become Another Wisconsin, Opponents of Right-to-Work Vow

December 9, 2012       Leave a Comment
By: Dave Rogers

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Workers from across Michigan and across the nation are gearing up for a Day of Action in Lansing on Tuesday to protest anti-union legislation.

A showdown is slated Tuesday at the state capitol when bus loads of union supporters are expected to create the largest demonstration in state history.

Mary Bottari, of the Center for Media and Democracy, reported on last week's events:

"Today in Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder and his GOP controlled lame-duck legislature pulled a fast one, introducing and then ramming through the House and the Senate so-called "right to work" legislation. The bill was introduced at 11 a.m., passed the House at 5 p.m. by a narrow margin and the Senate at around 6:00 p.m. When the process is complete and the bill is signed, Michigan will become the 24th right to work state."

The final bill is expected to win approval and be signed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who earlier had termed right-to-work too controversial and divisive.

"If what we want to do is do a little bit better at attracting certain kinds of low-wage jobs, I think this may help," Michigan State University economist Charles Ballard said. "But it's an awful lot of political blood to be spilled for something that will not galvanize Michigan's economy."

UAW officials expect thousands of members and friends to turn out to voice opposition to the legislation.

"You can show support for Michigan's working families from wherever you are on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday," say officials of State Employees United Auto Workers Local 6000.

"It's very simple: Wear RED on Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 to show your support for Michigan's working families."

The local's website states: "Politicians backed by corporate special interests king Dick DeVos, and Governor Rick Snyder are plotting to destroy the state that labor built by pushing through this last minute so-called 'Right to Work' legislation. The only thing it provides for is the eroding of workers' power and voices in the workplace.

"Show your friends and family that you stand in solidarity with Michigan's working families, and against the anti-worker policies of Governor Snyder."

The Detroit News and other news agencies reported the stage is set for a second round of protests this week at the state Capitol to oppose right-to-work legislation apparently on its way to approval by the Legislature.

Thousands of UAW members and backers will return to Lansing on Tuesday to oppose a bill that would allow workers to stop paying union dues.

Union officials hope members will be allowed in the House and Senate chambers on Tuesday, unlike last week when Michigan State Police locked down the building, allegedly to be in accordance with its capacity requirements.

"I was there for protests Wednesday and Thursday and it was appalling," UAW Local 600 President Bernie Rickie said. "They locked the doors ... There were more police in there than citizens."

Rickie said if the bill passes on Tuesday the UAW will attempt to repeal it.

To rally support, union activists Sunday sang modified versions of Christmas songs at Oakland Mall to show their displeasure with right-to-work legislation.

About 300 union members from UAW, AFSCME, AFT, AFL-CIO and Teamsters gathered at Local 600 in Dearborn on Saturday to prepare for Tuesday's protest.

Between chants, cheers and applause, organizers warned those at the training to be prepared for insults and obstruction. The volunteers lined up on opposite sides of a long hall at and took turn portraying protesters and union critics.

"Humanize the situation. Be clear with your intentions. Introduce yourself," national labor activist Lisa Fithian, of Austin, Texas, said through a megaphone. "They're going to do everything they can to criminalize us."

Republicans controlling the Legislature passed legislation Thursday to allow workers to opt out of paying union dues at job sites where employees have a union contract.

Working Michigan, a coalition of labor unions and faith groups, Saturday trained protesters in "peaceful civil disobedience."

Later Saturday, in Lansing, faith leaders and members from across gathered on the Capitol steps to urge Snyder to reject the legislation. The group will also encourage citizens to rally at the Capitol Tuesday morning to let elected officials know they are against the right-to-work legislation.

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Dave Rogers

Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read,
respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City.
(Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)

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