Opinion: Stanley attacks right-to-work laws

It is clear that right-to-work laws are an attack on Michigan's workers and communities. The fact is there is no existing evidence that can correlate right-to-work laws with increased recruitment and employment by businesses.

The Economic Policy Institute gets to the heart of why right-to-work laws are bad policy. They have no impact in boosting economic growth. They have no significant impact on attracting employers. There are lower wages for both union and non-union workers. And finally, they decrease worker benefits for both union and non-union workers.

The political move by Rep. Mike Shirkey applauding the passing of right-to-work laws by Indiana Republicans represents the sentiment of the out-of-touch and uninformed Republican-led Michigan Legislature. Michigan Republicans continue to work against the people and play politics. The fact is we need to concentrate on job-creating strategies, a business-creating climate and projects that highlight our strengths.

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Ralco Industries invested $6.4 million in Pontiac, preferring Michigan to a competing site in the right-to-work state of Tennessee. Likewise, Clyde Union Pumps invested $17.1 million to expand in Battle Creek instead of choosing the competing right-to-work states of Texas and Louisiana.

Right-to-work will not work in Michigan.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Rep. Woodrow Stanley, a former Flint mayor, city councilman and Genesee County commisioner, has represented the 34th District in the state House of Representatives since 2009.