Dem Minority Leader: ‘If Michigan Workers Don’t Want to Join Union they can Just Quit Their Job’

Former UAW Member Tells Struggling Families They Already Have a Choice—
Between Union Membership and Unemployment

 LANSING, MI, December 6, 2012 – The Minority Leader of the Michigan House of Representatives late yesterday told the Detroit News that struggling Michigan families clamoring for workplace fairness and equality already have the freedom-to-work—or, more specifically, the freedom not-to-work.  The shocking comments from state Rep. Rich Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Twp.), a former UAW member, came as Democrats in the state legislature protested Freedom-to-Work reforms being considered by the legislature.

According to the News, Hammel said workers who don’t want to join a union or pay an agency fee already have the freedom-to-not work, and to  simply quit their job.

“Joining a union—or not—should be an individual worker’s choice and contrary to what the Democrat House Minority Leader thinks, making that choice should not cost one worker his or her job,” said Greg McNeilly, President of Michigan Freedom Fund.  “Every Michigan worker should have the right to get and keep a job based upon their performance, not their politics.”

As Hammel made his comments, hundreds of union protestors from Wisconsin, Ohio and other states yesterday defaced three levels of the state Capitol while disrupting activity in the state House and Senate.  Capitol Services confirmed that significant damage was done to the railings on floors 2, 3 and 4 of the Capitol and that the damage will require repair at taxpayer expense.

Hundreds of union members were observed in Ohio and Wisconsin “Local” coats and uniforms and seen carpooling into the Capitol in cars and SUVs with out-of-state license plates this week before storming the peoples’ House, handing out whistles and other noisemakers, banging loudly on walls and attempting to intimidate lawmakers and legislative staff, all while leaving taxpayers with the bill for significant damage done to the building.

Lawmakers in Lansing this week are discussing potential freedom-to-work reforms that would give Michigan families more choices and control over their own lives.  Freedom-to-Work will restore workplace fairness and equality.  Every Michigan worker should be able to choose for her or himself if they want to join and pay wages to a union organization.

Michigan Freedom Fund is a statewide advocacy organization promoting freedom, including the Freedom to Work, with a specific focus on empowering workers and protecting collective bargaining.  For more information, please visit www.MoreMIJobs.com.