Law limits power of already retreating unions sparking new Michigan union law protest movement

Michigan continues nationwide trend of anti-union laws

NCBCP Black Women’s Roundtable Stands with Michigan Workers in their Fight Against Anti-Worker Legislation Recently Passed in Michigan

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s (NCBCP) Black Women’s Roundtable issued the following comments in support of Michigan workers and families currently under attack by politicians determined to revoke workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively:

“The Black Women’s Roundtable stands in solidarity with our Michigan Black Women’s Roundtable leaders, working families, labor, faith and all communities of conscience, in their fight for the rights of workers to organize as an American value in the state of Michigan and across the country, said Melanie L. Campbell, convener, Black Women’s Roundtable and president and CEO of NCBCP adds, “Strong unions result in better jobs, a stronger economy, and a healthier community. The assault on Michigan’s working families will drive wages down and increase the income gap, especially for women, young workers and people of color.”

Danielle Atkinson, convener of Detroit Black Women’s Roundtable and executive director, Mothering Justice adds, “This issue is about having a voice in the workplace so we can take care of our families at home. We stand united in the effort to stop these divisive attacks on hardworking American’s who are not asking for handouts, we are merely trying to make a livable wage that enables us to provide a decent living for our family.”

“We will continue to stand united with Michigan working families and the coalition of labor, faith, and progressive groups fighting against the assault on the American middle class,” adds Stephanie Bell, convener, Kalamazoo MI Black Women’s Roundtable. “This type of legislation in Michigan of all places – the birthplace of the American labor movement – will have far-reaching ramifications across the country. We urge the American public to show your support by calling Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and urge him to veto the “Right-to-Work” law.”

The NCBCP Black Women’s Roundtable comprises an intergenerational membership of Black women civic leaders of international, national, regional and state-based organizations and institutions that works collectively to advance policies and strategic initiatives that help to improve the lives of underserved women and girls.

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Contact: Edrea Davis
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SOURCE National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Women’s Roundtable

Mass protest as Michigan curbs union rights

AFP – Republican lawmakers passed union-curbing “right-to-work” laws in Michigan Tuesday, prompting a rowdy protest at the capitol and outrage in a state seen as the heart of the US labor movement. The two measures will weaken unions by allowing public and private sector workers to get the same wages.

Michigan State Police mounted on horseback reportedly knocked down at least one pro-union demonstrator at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Video posted by the Lansing State Journal shows a man laying on the ground as several mounted police awkwardly try to move their horses through a crowd of people protesting. Now that GOP-led Michigan lawmakers have approved a so-called right-to-work law, defying hot-under-the-collar union members and most Democrats, the next question becomes this: Should they be worried about reprisal?  There’s certainly precedent for concern.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky on Tuesday congratulated the heavily-unionized state of Michigan after its legislature approved a so-called “right-to-work” bill. “I offer my congratulations to the Michigan state legislature on their hard work on and passage of freedom in the workplace legislation.

Fox News contributor and conservative comedian Steven Crowder claims he was assaulted by pro-union protesters amid a protest in Lansing, Michigan. In an interview with radio show host Dana Loesch, Crowder said the protesters “literally would have killed me where I stood if I defended myself.”

Former Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI) was pepper-sprayed by police at Michigan’s capitol building amid an escalating protest against so-called “right to work” bills passed by the legislature on Tuesday that critics say will strip public and private unions of their bargaining power.