Graves Votes for Right-to-Work Legislation

State Rep. Joseph Graves, voted for right-to-work legislation in the state Thursday.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced Thursday that he would pursue right-to-work legislation for public and private employees in the state, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"Unions have an important role in our state, but workers also deserve the chance to choose whether they'd like to be a union member or not which is why I voted for this legislation today," said Graves, R-Argentine Township. "Every worker in Michigan should be allowed the choice to join, support any group or cause and today we have restored freedom in our workplaces."

The House today approved House Bill 4054.

A separate bill currently in the Senate will provide labor freedom rights for government and public workers.  The measure would not apply to law enforcement personnel and firefighters, who are covered under the binding arbitration of Public Act 312.

The legislation does not affect collective bargaining, as it is already enshrined in state law. About 17 percent of Michigan's workforce is unionized.

"Today we are putting Michigan workers back in charge of their own lives and own careers," Graves said. "This change will give our workers more rights and restore workplace fairness and equality to everyone who works in our great state."