You wanted a fight, Republicans? You have yourselves a fight!
Facing a Republican attack on collective bargaining rights and a full-court press to make Michigan a Right to Work For Less state, the Michigan AFL-CIO is hosting another Lobby Day at the State Capitol Building in Lansing tomorrow.
The Republicans have switched from the already-deceitful name “Right to Work” to “Freedom to Work”, presumably so that they can get the attention of tea party fanatics that worship anything with the word “freedom” or “patriot” associated with it (unless that loss of “freedom” comes in the form of an Emergency Manager for an African American community, of course.)
It’s actually “Right to Work for Less” because, as AFL-CIO state director Karla Swift explains, workers in RTWFL states make less money than their counterparts in union-friendly states:
The interest groups pushing this latest power grab in Lansing are ignoring…some basic economic facts that should inform any thoughtful discussion of Right to Work legislation. Workers, union or nonunion, make an average of $1,500 less per year in Right to Work states. They are also less likely to have pension or health care benefits.
UPDATE: You can used this phone number to contact your State Representative:
888-979-7280.
Here are details about tomorrow’s event:
Governor Snyder said yesterday that so-called “Right to Work” is “on the agenda for thoughtful discussion.” We need YOU to help lead these discussions.
TELL OUR LEGISLATORS THAT MICHIGAN IS NOT A RIGHT TO WORK STATE We Need Your Help Tomorrow – December 6, 2012
Volunteer tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, 2012 as a Citizen Lobbyist or Event Marshal. Don’t let overreaching Republicans attack collective bargaining in OUR state capitol.
Citizen Lobbyists will visit legislative offices to tell representatives and Senators to oppose so-called “Right-to-Work” legislation. Shifts for citizen lobbyists begin at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, and 11:00am.
Marshals will lead groups of 5 to 15 lobbyists around the capitol. Marshals should arrive at 7:30am.
At 1pm, we will march together to the Chamber of Commerce to deliver a letter from Michigan’s working families.
Click here to let us know we can count on you tomorrow.
Please arrive at the Michigan AFL-CIO prior to one of the listed launch times for training and materials.
Address: 419 Washington Square South, Lansing, MI 48933-2138
In Solidarity,
Karla Swift, President
Michigan State AFL-CIO
UPDATE 2: There is now a rally planned tomorrow, as well. From Mark Brewer, Chairman of the Michigan Democratic:
Friends and fellow Democrats,Here’s a little secret about Rick Snyder, Jase Bolger and the rest of the Lansing Republicans — they don’t really care what you think. We have to make them care.
It’s sad, but true. If you can’t write a five-figure campaign check, the Michigan GOP has no use for you and your priorities. They take their instructions from fat-cat donors like Dick DeVos, and they figure most working families are too busy trying to make a living to keep up with events in Lansing.
I know different. People who support collective bargaining are the majority in this state. Democrats are the majority in this state. It’s time that Rick Snyder, Jase Bolger and the rest of them paid attention to what we have to say.
Here’s your chance. People who support working families will be coming out in force this Thursday at the state Capitol in Lansing.
Stop by UAW Local 724 in the morning to get armed with the facts and then join fellow Democrats, progressives and labor activists as we march to the Capitol and make our voices heard.
Tomorrow is the day. Click here to RSVP and join us at the Capitol!
Sincerely,
Mark Brewer
Chair, Michigan Democratic Party
