Tag: right to work

He is not running for anything, so this is not an endorsement, other than that of conservative ideals, principles, and his grass roots activity in areas that should matter to us all.

The first time I met Tim Bos, was at the back door of a conference room here in Traverse City in 2011 just prior to the June 30 public roll out of the Michigan Freedom To Work campaign.  It was an organizational meeting that was publicized enough to give us concern that some attendees might not be who they say.  If I am to be truthful, my first impression at the door was one of concern. I didn't know him.  As we started the meeting, any concerns faded, as I learned of his marketing and organizational background, his core beliefs, and the overall skills he brought to the table.

I realized that this was a guy that gets it.  I also realized a serious commitment in the fight for Freedom To Work in Michigan by looking at the old Ford pickup he drove, especially at a time with gas prices climbing fast.  It wasn't the last time he would make the couple hundred mile treks into the hinterland just to advocate for the cause of FTW, as only a couple weeks later he returned, driving hours to offer his three minutes worth, in front of the Grand Traverse County Commission which was deliberating a resolution of support for it.

His words might well have made a difference in the overflowing room; one we cannot know for sure however, but the resolution did pass.

The case for Right to Work is simple.  You should not be forced to join or pay dues to a union as a condition of employment.  Unions claim to support workers, but they want to fire workers who refuse to give them money.

They looked at Michigan's Gov. Rick Snyder and they believed the picture that his moderate to centrist portrait portrayed--he simply wanted all this arguing over Michigan's right-to-work nonsense to go away. He told more conservative leaning members of his own party to back off right to work and they obliged. He did not want any such legislation to reach his desk and it did not.

But Snyder also made his position known to the unions. In trade for his stance on r-t-w, the union machine would not push for an amendment enshrining a closed shop mentality into the state's constitution. Michigan certainly did not need that in an age where job providers must seek business friendly climates in which to eke out a profit.

While Snyder stayed his course during his first two years (disappointing me and many others,) the unions predictably saw blood in the water and reneged on their portion of the understanding. Unions loudly placed the ill-advised Proposition 2 onto the ballot while also putting their cumulative weights behind two other propositions.

Amidst several hundred bussed in union protesters (some of them being unruly - see below the fold) and threats of violence, the Michigan legislature passed two important measures ensuring labor freedom in our great state:

HB 4054 of 2011    Local government; other; right-to-work zone; permit. Amends sec. 14 of 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.14) & adds sec. 14a.

&

SB 0116 of 2011    Labor; collective bargaining; right-to-work zones; allow local units of government to establish. Amends sec. 14 of 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.14) & adds sec. 14a.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Snyder said he had kept the issue at arm's length while pursuing other programs to bolster the state economy. But he said circumstances had pushed the matter to the forefront.

"It is a divisive issue," he acknowledged. "But it was already being divisive over the past few weeks, so let's get this resolved. Let's reach a conclusion that's in the best interests of all."

He sounded good.  His words on the Freedom To Work legislation are identical to the words we have used here and elsewhere. Choice, opportunity, freedom.  His pledge to sign the bills as soon as they reach his desk could literally change the nation's future.  This historic event is nothing short of amazing and couldn't come soon enough.

Thank you to those who today wrapped up a very impressive Christmas present for all Michiganders, and the rest of the country as well.

via MCC

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said today that a bill will be introduced that would make Michigan the nation's 24th right-to-work state.

"When it arrives on my desk, I plan on signing it," he said.

In a press conference with the House and Senate Majority leaders and three union members, the Governor suggested that a bill would be introduced today.

MORE

However, this important legislation protecting workers choices would be the shot in the arm for a still ailing Michigan economy.  It would create a more competitive atmosphere not only with other states, but would allow the global competitiveness we have previously enjoyed to return.  Its about time we do this, yet have faced a number of obstacles that ought not have been there.  The election clarified the will of the people sufficiently enough to understand that they are tired of having Michigan run by a few elite labor bosses, and its time for a change.

So when Jack Hoogendyk sends out this note:

"With all this compelling data, and circumstances being as ideal as they have ever been, what is holding up the legislation that has already been written, from being introduced in the House and the Senate?

The answer is apparently NOTHING. The Majority Leader of the Senate, Randy Richardville has previously gone on record opposing RTW in Michigan. But, last week, I received a communication from one of the members of the Republican Senate caucus. Here is what he told me: [Mr. Richardville] has supported RTW in the public sector and has pledged to whip the caucus on RTW in the private sector. Individually and as a caucus we strongly appreciate the openness of the SML (Senate Majority Leader) to member input.  

It is time to thank the Majority Leader for his willingness to give his caucus the opportunity to consider a vote on this pending legislation. Please contact Randy Richardville here and thank him. And then, contact your State Senator and express your support for making Michigan a Freedom-to-Work state and putting Michigan back on the map as the place to build a business!

Regards,

Jack Hoogendyk"