New Baltimore, Chesterfield Sound Off on Michigan’s Right-to-Work Law

New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch readers have some strong opinions on Michigan’s new right-to-work law.

The law went into effect Thursday, and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder praised the legislation, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Michigan’s right-to-work law means workers can opt out of paying union dues, though it will not affect many for months or years.

New Baltimore and Chesterfield Township residents weighed in on the new law on the New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch Facebook page:

• Tom Scott: It will have no impact on economic growth or job creation, in the long run it will drive now industry standards for wages, working conditions and benefits. In the big picture it will severely harm the working class by reducing the amount of money we take home, unions are the institutions that set the standard for overtime, 40 hour work weeks, vacation time, workmen's comp, retirement funds, maternity leave, etc. the goal of our politicians is to weakens those institutions in turn making those benefits vulnerable.This law benefits no one other than big business, not out families, not our children, and certainly not our State.
• Christy Kment-Moore: I am very sad for ever single person out there because I don't think it will affect just the union families but everyone in the long run.
• Kim May Sorvala: Exactly Tom!! Our voices will be heard in 2014..... too many years of hard work to give it all away.
• Beth Welch Harrison: It's about time.

Read more on right-to-work legislation:

• Sound Off on Right-to-Work Legislation
• Michigan Legislature Passes Right-to-Work Bill
• What Do You Think About Right to Work Legislation?