Statement by Sarita Gupta on Signing of “Right-to-Work” Bill in Michigan

CONTACT:
Ori Korin
(202) 822-2127 x126
okorins@americanrightsatwork.org

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed into law the right-to-work legislation passed by the Michigan state legislature. In response, Jobs with Justice and American Rights at Work Executive Director Sarita Gupta issued the following statement:

“It’s unfortunate that the hardworking people of Michigan are becoming the collateral damage of Republicans’ political vendetta against unions and their members. Right to work sounds like a good idea, but in reality, these laws have nothing to do with providing rights or work. At its core, this initiative is a threat to the basic right for workers to stick together on the job and collectively bargain for a better life.

“The facts speak for themselves: compared to workers living in states without right-to-work laws, employees in right-to-work states earn less per year and are more likely to be uninsured. Workplace deaths are higher in right-to-work states, and even business owners admit that right to work isn’t a factor when they’re choosing where to open up shop.

“Despite mounting evidence pointing to the detrimental impact of these laws on everyday Americans, corporate-backed politicians have made it clear that they're not concerned with the facts. Governor Snyder and his cohorts are clearly more invested in destroying workers' unions than in creating jobs or leveling the playing field for the 99 percent. But workers around Michigan and around the country will continue to stand together and fight back against any claims that this law will be good for Michigan’s families or Michigan’s economy.”

For more information, please visit www.wrongforeveryone.com