Union busting
is a pejorative term used by labor organizations worldwide to describe a wide range of activities undertaken by employers, their proxies, and governments, which attempt to prevent the formation or expansion of trade unions. Union busting tactics range from legal to illegal, subtle to violent.
Indeed, union busting techniques range from legal to illegal. And over the past 13 months, we've seen them all. From the over-the-top tactics in Wisconsin and Ohio, to the stealth war in Michigan, the war on workers rights has taken place.
Today, Michigan took another potential step backward as a series of anti-worker bills surfaces in Tom McMillin's committee.
Tom McMillin is the same guy who was appointed to head the House Education Committee after disgraced Chair Paul Scott was recalled in November.
Tom McMillin is the same guy who has been accepting public lobbying from the conservative Mackinac Center (in violation of their tax documents).
On a party line vote, the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee passed on Tuesday House Bills 5023-5026, a package of anti-union bills meant to curtail the powers of labor unions:
- HB 5023 fines striking public employees one day's pay and their union $5,000 for each day of the strike, expanding the penalties beyond the current rules that only apply to public school employees.
- HB 5024 sets fines and restrictions on members and their unions for mass picketing.
- HB 5025 requires an employee's annual written authorization to have their union dues deducted from their paycheck by employers.
- HB 5026 eliminates the prohibition against employers advertising for strike breakers.
It is pretty clear what their intent is. Make it harder for unions to keep and protect their members.
What is unfortunate is that many of the things the GOP controlled legislature is trying to do, can already be done.
For public school teachers in Michigan, it is currently illegal to strike. 5023 simply raises the fines on union members who would be unable to pay their bills.
5024, I don't understand how this one is constitutional? The right to peaceably assemble is a right that is specifically enumerated in the first amendment. Somehow, by joining a union I am supposed to be denied my rights?
5025, even drew opposition from the Michigan Association of School Boards. MASB lobbyist Peter Spadafore testified against that bill, saying that payroll deductions are bargained in contracts, and requiring an annual check-off goes around the process that is already in place.
So, the GOP legislature is trying to help school districts with 5025, but school boards don't need the help. This one is a backdoor way to prohibit the collection of union dues by school districts. That bill is also in the House.
And 5026, this one opens the door to advertise for scabs. Nice.
What do you think of the latest round of attacks by Michigan's berserk legislature?