Members of the Senate Republican Caucus introduced a package that would restore Michigan’s Right-to-Work laws and repeal prevailing wage laws. Right-to-Work laws prohibit the requirement that an employee join a union as a condition of employment. Prevailing wage sets a floor for the minimum wage and benefits that must be provided for certain projects.
The legislation includes:
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- SB 436, introduced by Senator Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), restores Right-to-Work in the private sector.
- SB 437, introduced by Senator Roger Hauck (R-Mt. Pleasant), puts Right-to-Work status for the public sector.
- SB 438, introduced by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), eliminates general prevailing wage requirements.
- SB 439, introduced by Senator Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), repeals prevailing wage requirements for public utility projects.
- SB 440, introduced by Senator Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe), repeals prevailing wage requirements for alternative energy projects such as wind and solar.
Background:
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- In 2012, former Governor Rick Snyder signed Right-to-Work legislation into law for both private and public sector employees.
- In 2023, the Democratic Party gained control of both the House and Senate in Michigan. With Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer in office, they repealed the state’s Right-to-Work.
Next Steps:
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- The bill package was referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee for consideration.
- Since the Democratic Party has a majority in the Senate, the legislation is not expected to move this term.
