Michigan’s unions are reacting to a decision Wednesday by the U.S. Supreme Court, striking down a 1977 rule which required non-union members pay union dues.
John Armelagos, with the Michigan Nurses Association, said Michigan’s unions have had to adapt to right to work laws since 2013.
“We were expecting a five-four decision regarding Janus that in essence attempts to weaken organized labor and collective bargaining across the country for public employees.”
Armelagos said state unions have been able to weather the storm and he thinks national unions will be able to survive as well.
David Crim, with the Michigan Education Association, said the high court decision is a clear attempt to bust unions.
“The intent is to destroy unions and as I say, it didn’t happen here and it’s not going to happen across the country, because unions still remain the most effective vehicle to help working families achieve a pathway to the middle class.”
In a written statement Congressman Dan Kildee said of the decision “the basic rights of workers... Are under attack.”
Attorney General Bill Schuette, however, said of the decision “First Amendment Rights have once again prevailed in Michigan.”