It’s now been a year since Michigan’s controversial right-to-work measure was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The law, which formally took effect last March, made it illegal to require that employees join a union as a condition of employment.
Right-to-work triggered a stormy, sometimes violent, debate. Supporters called it an issue of worker freedom and a job creator. Opponents complained it was a flagrant attempt to undercut the power of unions and the working people who belong to them.
Many observers have said it will take more time to see noticeable impacts from the law. Be that as it may, we thought we’d look back over the previous 12 months and glean what we can.
MSU Professor of Economics, Charley Ballard, helps us weigh the economic impact of right-to-work and Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta reviews political impacts.