Unions have broad appeal in PA, staunching right-to-work efforts

By   /  December 14, 2012  /  Featured, Issues, Labor relations, News, Pennsylvania, State Budgets, State Government, State House, State Senate  /  1 Comment

SILENT PROTEST: Protesters taped their mouths shut Wednesday in Lansing, Mich., in response to the new right-to-work law. (AP photo)

HARRISBURG — On the surface, Pennsylvania looks like it could be the next front in the ongoing battle between Republicans and big labor that flared up in Michigan this week lawmakers there approved so-called “right-to-work” legislation.

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MI: ‘This is what democracy looks like’ after union rout

By   /  December 16, 2012  /  Michigan, News  /  No Comments

LET'S PROTEST: Velma Cornelius of Detroit shouts slogans outside the Breslin Center on Saturday in East Lansing, Mich., where Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder was speaking on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 in East Lansing. Snyder's speech at Michigan State University's commencement ceremonies has generated some backlash following a whirlwind week in state government. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside as the Republican governor spoke. The Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature used a marathon session that ended Friday morning to send dozens of bills to Snyder's desk, capping a busy week in which Michigan became the 24th right-to-work state. Snyder, a University of Michigan graduate, steered clear of politics in his speech. He was greeted with some boos inside but also applause.(AP photo)

EAST LANSING, MICH. — On the Michigan State University campus here Saturday, they hooted and hollered, but these faithful union activists could never grab the attention of the object of their ire.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder.

Planted firmly outside the MSU Breslin Center, these loyal union backers cast their furious scorn at the governor.

“Hey hey, ho ho, right-to-work has got to go,” they chanted.

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VA: Secret-ballot bill targets card-carrying ‘union thugs’

By   /  December 14, 2012  /  Featured, News, unions, Virginia  /  1 Comment

BRING ON THE BALLOTS: State Sen. Bryce Reeves wants to ensure that workers can cast secret ballots in union organizing campaigns.

FREDERICKSBURG — In a fight for worker rights, business groups and labor unions are battling over secret ballots in Virginia.

State Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, has proposed a constitutional amendment to block so-called “card checks,” which streamline the way to unionization.

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MI: Unions feign surprise when the right fights back

By   /  December 12, 2012  /  Michigan, News  /  No Comments

TOE-TO-TOE: Union protesters faced off with Michigan State Police in Lansing Tuesday.

Part 3 of 9 in the series Right to Work

By Dustin Hurst | Watchdog.org
LANSING, Mich. — Lend an ear to union disciples for a few moments and you might come to believe that this week’s right-to-work tangle came out of thin air, a broadside attack on the working class.
“On Thursday, the bill just came out of [...]

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MO: Right-to-work may be tough sell in Missouri

By   /  December 12, 2012  /  Featured, Labor relations, Missouri, News, public sector, State Government, State Politics, Uncategorized  /  2 Comments

RIGHT TO WORK: Nearly half the United States now have such laws.

Part 4 of 9 in the series Right to Work

By Johnny Kampis | Missouri Watchdog
ST. LOUIS — Missouri may try to pass right-to-work legislation in 2013, but moving the bill through the General Assembly looks to be an uphill climb.
Right-to-work bans requirements that workers pay union dues as a condition of employment in certain sectors. The [...]

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