Public Media from Michigan State University

Court Of Appeals Rules Right To Work Law Applies To State Workers

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The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled the state’s right-to-work law applies to state workers.

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher.

Under the right-to-work law, employees cannot be required to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. 

Public employee unions have argued the new law should not apply to their members. They say the state’s Civil Service Commission has sole authority over state employment matters.

But the Court of Appeals ruled the state Legislature does have limited power to pass laws that affect public employment. In a split two-to-one decision, the court said the new law does not infringe on the Commission’s authority to regulate conditions of employment.

The unions can appeal the decision to the Michigan Supreme Court.

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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.