• Protesters outside of the Capital building

UPDATE: LANSING - Today, protesters were outside of the Capitol Building in response to the fast-track right-to-work legislation that is set to be introduced today during a lame-duck session. The legislation would allow persons entering into a union related position to opt out of being a union member and paying union dues. As of now, persons entering into a union position are mandated to pay union dues, even if they decide to be a non-union member. Protesters are concerned that if the legislation passes, workers rights and benefits will see a decline.

Governor Synder, who had previously suggested that he did not want to deal with the issue, has now mentioned that if the legislation hits his desk, he will sign it. Snyder mentioned that the legislation "was on the table whether I wanted it to be there or not." He supports the legislation, citing that Indiana's economic development and activity has increased since right-to-work legislation passed there.

The Governor did mention that police and firefighters would be excluded from the bill. Synder said that these high-risk jobs need to allow for a "special bond" between employees due to the dangerous situations they face.

Police have ceased to let people into the Capitol building, protesters and Capitol employees, because it is nearly at capacity. Four protesters have been arrested and some individuals who attempted to rush the Senate floor, have been maced.

Picket signs are adorned with statements like, "worker's rights, not right to work," and "right-to-work means no worker's rights in the future."

If the right-to-work legislation is passed, Michigan will be the 24th state to integrate these policies.

ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - Proposed right-to-work legislation causes mass protest at the Capital building.