Index
Employment & LaborMichigan, USA

Michigan Right to Work Repeal

Summary

In a historic and rare move, Michigan officially repealed its 'Right to Work' law in 2023, giving immense power back to labor unions in the state.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Because the law was repealed, employers and unions in the private sector can once again negotiate 'closed shop' or 'union security' contracts.
  • 02.
    This means if you work at a unionized facility, the union CAN legally require you to pay union dues or 'agency fees' as a condition of keeping your job.
  • 03.
    If you refuse to pay the fees to the union that represents your workplace, your employer can legally fire you.
  • 04.
    This change only applies to private-sector workers. Public-sector workers (like teachers or government employees) cannot be forced to pay dues due to a separate US Supreme Court ruling (Janus).

Penalties

  • 01.
    Refusal to pay the required union fees in a unionized private workplace will likely result in the legal termination of your employment.

Verified Citations

Michigan Public Act 9 of 2023

Source
"(The Act struck out the previous Right to Work language, replacing it with:) An employer and a labor organization may enter into a collective bargaining agreement that requires all employees in the bargaining unit to share equally in the financial support of the labor organization..."