Michigan Legislature sends governor right-to-work

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Union members from around the country rally at the Michigan State Capitol to protest a vote on Right-to-Work legislation December 11, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
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Posted: 12/11/2012

By: Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Legislature has given final approval to a contentious right-to-work plan limiting the power of unions, sending it to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder for his expected signature.

The GOP-controlled House passed two bills Tuesday that were previously approved by the Senate. One dealt with public-sector workers and another focused on the private sector. Both chambers had approved a version of the private sector bill last week.

Snyder says he expects to sign the plan as early as Wednesday.

The labor stronghold of Michigan would become the 24th right-to-work state, banning requirements that nonunion employees pay unions for negotiating contracts and other services.

Passage followed numerous unsuccessful challenges from Democrats as well as raucous protests inside and outside the Capitol from thousands of pro-union demonstrators.