Michigan Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (above) launched a website last week to support his effort to repeal Michigan's No Rights At Work bill. Check it out at repealrtw.com. Be sure to sign the petition if you're a Michigan voter.
It's unlikely the law will be repealed this year, as Republicans have a majority in the Michigan Legislature. Plus, overturning unpopular legislation generally takes time and mobilization of public support. It took eight years for Indiana to repeal No Rights At Work in 1965 after the law was enacted in 1957.
Two lawsuits, though, have been filed to overturn the anti-worker law. They're mentioned on Sen. Hopgood's website. One claims the law violates the U.S. Constitution because it supersedes the National Labor Relations Act, which is the law of the land. That one was filed by the AFL-CIO, Michigan Building Trades Council, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union.
The second lawsuit claims it violates the Open Meetings Act, the First Amendment, and the state constitution by barring the doors to the Capitol. It was filed by the ACLU of Michigan, Sen. Rebekah Warren, Bonnie Bucqueroux, an instructor at Michigan State University School of Journalism, Steve Cook and Rick Trainor, Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Brandon Dillon, the Michigan Education Association (MEA), Michigan State AFL-CIO, Michigan Building & Construction Trades Council, and Change to Win.
The Detroit Free Press reported on Sen. Hopgood's effort:
Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood of Taylor launched a website this week in an effort to drive a take-down of the law signed in December by GOP Gov. Rick Snyder.
Hopgood says the website will inform the public and give "them a voice this time around." It features a countdown until March 27, the day the law is expected to go into effect. Visitors can also sign a petition at www.repealrtw.com.
Hopgood has introduced two bills to repeal the law, which prohibits forcing workers to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.The website features a petition to support SB95 and SB96. Michiganders, please sign it here. It also features video from the Democratic state senators who opposed the bill when it was rammed through the Legislature in January.
