For Michigan state workers, 2014 means the freedom to leave unions

By F. Vincent Fernuccio and Jarrett Skorup | Michigan Capitol Confidential

Michigan state employees had ample reason to celebrate the new year — their unions can longer get them fired for not paying dues or fees.

Almost all of the collective bargaining agreements between the state and its classified employee unions expired Dec. 31, meaning that right-to-work now applies to the vast majority of the more than 35,000 unionized state employees and they can exercise their rights immediately.

“Yes, state employees will have the option of opting out of the union,” said Kurt Weiss, spokesman for the State Budget Office.

at Michigan Capitol Confidential.

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