23 states now have “right to work laws”. Indiana became the latest this week when that state’s governor Mitch Daniels signed legislation that bans union contracts from mandating non-union members to pay dues. Some Republican lawmakers want Michigan to consider “right to work” legislation. Although Governor Snyder has said he would prefer not to deal with the issue this year (Mlive article here).

Republican State Senator John Proos of Saint Joseph told WMUK that now that a border state has a “right to work” law, Michigan needs to consider how it competes for business and jobs.

Proos doesn’t think “right to work” would be a panacea for job growth. But he says it gives Indiana “one more tool in the toolbox.”

Proos has also proposed legislation that would allow cities or counties to create “right to work” zones in Michigan. He says that could allow counties along the Indiana border to have a “buffer for job creation.” Proos represents Cass and Berrien Counties which border Indiana

Democratic state Representative Sean McCann of Kalamazoo says a debate over “right to work” would be divisive. He says the state is on a path to economic recovery and the debate over “right to work” would lead to an ugly fight with questionable results.

McCann says people in Michigan shouldn’t over-react because a border state has adopted a “right to work” law. He says Michigan is competing in a global economy.

McCann says a strong labor union workforce is part of Michigan’s heritage. He says the debate over “right to work” would take away from other priorities such as education, life sciences and diversifying Michigan’s economy.