SEIU Local 1 Statement on the Repeal of “Right to Work” and Re-establishment of Prevailing Wage

LANSING, Michigan – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills 4004, 4005, and 4007 – officially repealing the decade-long “Right to Work” law and re-establishing a prevailing wage in Michigan. The repeal of the right to work is a historic victory for working families in Michigan as this marks the end of the harmful legislation that tilts the scale towards the boss’ benefit and further rigs the system at the expense of working families. Re-establishment of a prevailing wage, will now require Michigan contractors of state-funded construction projects to provide union-level wages and benefits to workers.

“This is a historic day for Michigan’s working families. For more than a decade, working Michiganders – predominantly Black and brown – have fought the unjust right to work law,” said SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup. “With this harmful law being repealed, working people will be able to build a stronger worker-led union, and win higher wages and better benefits. SEIU Local 1 working families have fought long and hard to raise the labor standard in Michigan and build a state that works for all of us – this is a great leap in the right direction.”

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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 45,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty, food service workers, and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.