ADOPTED - FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Agenda Item No. 6

Introduced by the County Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION OPPOSING ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD MAKE

MICHIGAN A “RIGHT TO WORK” STATE

RESOLUTION #08-038

WHEREAS, Ingham County wishes to promote fair practices; and

WHEREAS, 22 states have “right to work” laws that prohibit workers and employers from negotiating union security clauses that ensure that all workers who receive economic benefits from union representation share the costs of maintaining the union; and

WHEREAS, right to work laws do not guarantee employment to workers; and

WHEREAS, right to work laws weaken the ability of unions to represent workers; and

WHEREAS, right to work laws harm union and non-union workers alike by depressing union membership and limiting the effectiveness of unions; and

WHEREAS, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median household income in 2005 in right to work states was $5,900.00 less that in free-bargaining states; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2005 the percentage of the population without health insurance was 20% higher in right to work states; and

WHEREAS, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of workplace deaths is 51% higher in states with right to work laws; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress is seeking to impose a federal Nation Right to Work Act that would require all states to become “right to work” states.

THEREFORE  IT BE RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners opposes any legislation in the U.S. Congress or the State of Michigan legislature that would make Michigan a “right to work” state by curtailing labor union membership. 

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Nolan, De Leon, Copedge, Soule, Grebner  

   Nays:    None             Absent:  Severino           Approved 2/19/08