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Labor unions take a hit in Michigan

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    Right-to-work vote amid violent demonstrations

  • Duration 3:53
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Michigan the home of the American automobile industry a state that has been dominated by big labor unions.

Is now -- right to work state.

Michigan's Republican governor has just signed a bill into law.

Ending union ability to force workers to pay dues.

Even if they are not in the union.

Democrats are predicting and warning of blood in the streets.

Here's what the governor said just moments ago about why he supported the legislation.

For two very strong reasons first of all worker choice the freedom to choose.

And the concept of -- better jobs for our state I think it was a good thing to sign this legislation and move forward.

This makes Michigan the 24 right to work state in the US.

Let's get an update now from the machine capital court -- Mike Tobin is lot tonight in Lansing good in my.

Good evening Brett what you can't see tonight in the darkness is a column of state trooper surrounding the governor's office building there armed with batons they're wearing riot gear.

From behind that column of protection Governor Snyder made his announcement that Michigan is now our right to work state.

-- -- What happens.

As the demonstrations get raucous in -- at ten for the conservative group Americans for prosperity is ripped down they -- -- and they're chanting go home go home.

-- stand stabs they cut the straps of the ten day.

Trampled attend their people trapped inside then demonstrators went after the cameras of journalists recording what happened.

Finally Michigan State troopers -- -- batons tear gas and gas masks.

Call the situation -- demonstrators came from all over Michigan and neighboring states United Auto Workers Teamsters the brotherhood of electrical workers and school teachers.

The school district in Warren Michigan reports of 750 staffers called in sick and schools were closed.

This is a flight to the Michigan governor Republican Rick Snyder says he did not -- he says he warned labor proponents against an effort called proposition two.

Which would have enshrined collective bargaining rights in Michigan's constitution.

That ballot issue failed in the November election.

What continued after that was the start of the discussion right to work and it became very loud and post surest discussion so all I've all the time in terms of good leadership to say I didn't -- on my agenda but now it's here.

Demonstrators say working men and women are now the subject to political retribution I think it's retribution for standing up fighting for working people out there wanna protect each of the different groups attacking us.

The right to work legislation would outlaw mandatory union dues and membership as a condition of employment.

Even for those not joining the union a similar measure passed in Indiana and 2012.

And unemployment decrease.

The top seven states in the US with the lowest unemployment.

Are among the 23 current right to work states and when you look at the issue it's really about being pro choice for workers.

Giving them the opportunity have freedom to choose.

And it's about job creation Republicans have a majority in both the house and senate even democratic leadership agrees that nothing will stop Michigan the cradle of organized labor and the birthplace of the United Auto Workers from becoming a right to work state.

Paul opponents can do is left their anger be -- ladies and gentlemen the governor of Michigan.

Is one -- nerves.

And he's one week geese and we're not gonna take it anymore.

-- Bob Kane president of the United Auto Workers was intentionally vague when pressed about what the next move will be for the unions and for Democrats here in Michigan.

It's clear they want to explore all the legal options and -- challenges at this law in court.

And I wanna set their sights on the next election Brett.

Big news Mike Tobin live in Lansing tonight Mike thank you.

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