Putting Workers First in Michigan: Alan Jernigan on Michigan’s Big Show
Michigan can right the ship with leadership that prioritizes labor freedom and reform and really returns the power back to the workers.
Alan Jernigan, ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Manager, spoke on Michigan’s Big Show with host Michael Patrick Shiels about the Right to Work legislation in Michigan how the legislation could improve Michigan’s labor ranking as noted in the States That Work: A Labor Policy Roadmap Across America report, which ranks states based on their labor policies.
The interview started with a mention how the Right to Work concept is being discussed again in Michigan due to Senator Albert’s introduction of Senate Bill 436. Jernigan gave an overview on Right to Work and how it gives employees the choice to financially support a union without affecting their employment status.
“Right to work is just giving an employee the right to choose whether they want to financially support or governing union without an effect on the employment side, just really letting them choose the path and option that’s best for them.”
Jernigan than noted how the repeal of Right to Work in Michigan was a significant event, as it was the first time in nearly 60 years that a state had repealed such a law.
“Michigan can right the ship with leadership that prioritizes labor freedom and reform and really returns the power back to the workers, rather than the unions.”
The conversation then turned the current labor landscape in Michigan and the possible benefits of reintroducing Right to Work back into the state. Jernigan noted that it empowers workers to advocate for themselves.
“It really allows workers to be individuals. If they choose not to join one and argue and kind of advocate on behalf of themselves and what’s best for their specific situation gives them the freedom to kind of find their own version of the American dream.”
Shiels than asked about Michigan’s labor rankings in the latest ALEC report: “States that Work.” Jernigan gave an outline of Michigan’s policies that have impacted the state’s labor rankings and noted how this legislation could improve Michigan’s stand in future rankings.
“Michigan finished ranked 35th out of 50 but interestingly enough, if they were to reinstate right to work, it would move all the way up to 22nd.”