Whitmer Signs Union-Backed ‘Right to Work’ Repeal in Michigan

Michigan became the first state in decades to repeal its “right to work” law, which prevented labor contracts from requiring covered workers to join a union or pay dues, under legislation Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed into law.

Enactment of the legislation (SB 34), which Whitmer signed Friday, is a major win for labor unions. It’s part of Democrats’ pro-labor agenda that includes separate bills related to public-sector union dues and prevailing wages for state construction projects that Whitmer also signed into law.

Prior to this legislation, Michigan was one of 27 states that prohibited labor contracts imposing ...