Michigan Underperforms in ALEC Labor Policy Rankings: Alan Jernigan in The Detroit News
A recent editorial by Michael Reitz in The Detroit News covered Michigan’s 35th-place ranking in the latest States That Work: A Labor Policy Roadmap Across America report. Reitz highlighted the need for labor reform based on the ALEC report and emphasized the state’s broader economic competitiveness challenges with worker freedom.
ALEC analyzes employment trends and ranks states on 10 pro-growth, pro-worker policies. Does the state have a right-to-work law? Does the state protect the flexibility of independent contractors and gig workers? Does the state restrict work through occupational licenses and, if so, does it offer reciprocity for out-of-state licenses? Michigan ranks 35th because it has failed to adopt (or has repealed) policies ALEC says will drive growth.
Michigan’s poor ranking, Reitz notes, stems from policy choices, most notably the repeal of its Right-to-Work law in 2023.
ALEC chastises Michigan policymakers for repealing right-to-work in 2023, considering the strong employment growth the state enjoyed with the policy in place. Michigan “experienced an increase in employment rates from 2013-2018 that was 1.9% higher” than states without a right-to-work law. In manufacturing, Michigan enjoyed a 6.4% increase in employment, while states without a right-to-work law “saw an average decrease in employment in this sector of 1.1%.”
Reitz stressed that public policy has tangible consequences. Prioritizing union mandates over worker freedom undermines Michigan’s economic potential, a trend reflected in the ALEC Rich States, Poor States rankings.
ALEC’s new report reinforces what other 50-state rankings tell us: Michigan’s economic performance is hampered by poor policy decisions…In another ranking, ALEC placed Michigan 35th for its economic performance, which considered factors like migration and employment growth.
When asked how Michigan could begin to turn the tide, States That Work author Alan Jernigan offered clear solutions.
Michigan can improve its ranking by focusing on pro-worker policies…ALEC recommends restoring Michigan’s right-to-work law, which means workers could not be fired for declining to pay a union. Also: Allow out-of-state workers who move to Michigan to forego costly licensing requirements if they’re already licensed elsewhere.