Public Media from Michigan State University

Union Members Protest In Lansing On First Day Of New Legislative Session

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Jake Neher

Union groups say they won’t stop shouting over the state’s new “right-to-work” law any time soon.

As Michigan Public Radio’s Jake Neher reports, more than 200 people lined walkways around the state Capitol Monday on the first day of the new legislative session.

The union-backed demonstration was small compared to anti-right-to-work protests last month that drew thousands. But participants say they’re trying the slow-and-steady approach this year.

Unionized construction worker Oscar Ramos says he expects to be back regularly until he sees positive change in Lansing.

“We’re going to be here until they throw us out of here," he says. "We want to stay, and we’ll keep on coming back as much as we have to.”

The protesters booed Republicans and cheered Democrats as they walked into the Capitol on the first day of the new session.

Union groups say they’re considering ways to repeal the “right-to-work” law.

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Jake Neher is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He covers the State Legislature and other political events in Lansing.