Right-to-work protestors arrested in Lansing

Governor Snyder, GOP legislature pushing for passage of right-to-work legislation

LANSING – Protestors gathered both outside and inside the Capitol in Lansing Thursday as legislators debated whether GOP lawmakers would pursue right-to-work legislation.

Read more: Will Michigan become Right to Work state?
Watch: Expert explains details of 'right-to-work'

The protestors filled three floors of the rotunda inside the Capitol building. They also made their presence known in and around the Romney Building. They could be heard chanting "Hey he, ho ho, right-to-work has got to go" as they banged on railings inside the Capitol. Michigan State Police arrested at least three of the protestors and pepper sprayed a handful of others.

Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled Legislature's top two leaders say they will push for passage of right-to-work legislation in the next few days.

Watch: Uncut: Right-to-work protesters pack Lansing Capitol

The announcement came Thursday during a roundtable discussion in Lansing. Gov. Snyder, Majority Leader Randy Richardville and Speaker Jase Bolger were joined by rank-and-file union members. During the meeting Gov. Snyder and GOP leaders vowed to push the right-to-work law in Michigan, defying angry unions.

Union protests took place in Lansing on Wednesday, and union members from metro Detroit were expected to flock to the Capitol again on Thursday.

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak said in a statement "Michigan workers deserve the utmost protections to ensure Michigan's economic recovery continues to move forward. Freedom in the workforce is common sense legislation that puts the interests of Michigan workers ahead of the interests of union bosses.

In a statement the House Democratic Caucus wrote, "House Democrats are disappointed in the tactics that the House Republicans are employing at this time with access to the floor. The House Dems are standing firm when it comes to protecting the middle class families in Michigan. Governor Snyder and Legislative Republicans would rather cave into special interests and institute Washington DC style politics by pushing the toxic and divisive partisan wish list of the extremists within their own party than create jobs or fight for fair wages and benefits for all residents."

The Workplace and Equity Fairness Act ensures that union membership is voluntary and no longer a forced-requirement. I want to thank Gov. Snyder, Speaker Jase Bolger, Majority Leader Randy Richardville and, notably Sen. Pat Colbeck and Rep. Mike Shirkey for demonstrating the courage and leadership to put the interests of Michigan workers first."

Read: 10 ways the fiscal cliff may hurt your health

Snyder said the issue is about freedom for workers and is not meant to harm unions or collective bargaining.

Protestors gathered both outside and inside the Capitol in Lansing Thursday as legislators debated whether GOP lawmakers would pursue right-to-work legislation.

Read more: Will Michigan become Right to Work state?

The protestors filled three floors of the rotunda inside the Capitol building. They also made their presence known in and around the Romney Building. They could be heard chanting "Hey he, ho ho, right-to-work has got to go" as they banged on railings inside the Capitol. Michigan State Police arrested at least three of the protestors and pepper sprayed a handful of others.

Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled Legislature's top two leaders say they will push for passage of right-to-work legislation in the next few days.

Watch: Uncut: Right-to-work protesters pack Lansing Capitol

The announcement came Thursday during a roundtable discussion in Lansing. Gov. Snyder, Majority Leader Randy Richardville and Speaker Jase Bolger were joined by rank-and-file union members. During the meeting Gov. Snyder and GOP leaders vowed to push the right-to-work law in Michigan, defying angry unions.

Union protests took place in Lansing on Wednesday, and union members from metro Detroit were expected to flock to the Capitol again on Thursday.

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak said in a statement "Michigan workers deserve the utmost protections to ensure Michigan's economic recovery continues to move forward. Freedom in the workforce is common sense legislation that puts the interests of Michigan workers ahead of the interests of union bosses.

Full Screen
1 / 7

The Workplace and Equity Fairness Act ensures that union membership is voluntary and no longer a forced-requirement. I want to thank Gov. Snyder, Speaker Jase Bolger, Majority Leader Randy Richardville and, notably Sen. Pat Colbeck and Rep. Mike Shirkey for demonstrating the courage and leadership to put the interests of Michigan workers first."

Read: 10 ways the fiscal cliff may hurt your health

Full Screen
1 / 9

Snyder said the issue is about freedom for workers and is not meant to harm unions or collective bargaining.

More about the right-to-work legislation.

Should Michigan become a right-to-work state?

"Right-to-work" could be reality for Michigan.

Pressure mounts on state lawmakers over right-to-work