Legislators debate right-to-work action

AP Modified

Updated: Dec 10, 2012 4:25 PM

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Legislative leaders in Lansing are debating whether to introduce divisive right-to-work legislation that would limit unions' ability to collect fees from nonunion workers.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce on Monday announced its support for such legislation.

Michigan lawmakers are returning Tuesday for the first of three sessions this week. And backers of right-to-work legislation announced a new lobbying effort.

The majority of Michigan voters had no interest last month in approving a ballot proposal that would have enshrined collective bargaining rights in the Michigan Constitution and ban right-to-work laws limiting unions' ability to collect fees from nonunion workers.

That provided an invitation for some Republican leaders to come forward with right-to-work legislation. But the idea has raised opposition in a state with long and strong ties to labor unions.

Gov. Rick Snyder, who has so far strayed away from dealing with right-to-work, Tuesday told the Detroit Free Press that the issue is "on the agenda" at the Capitol.

Snyder commented after a Tuesday meeting with GOP leaders including House Speaker Jase Bolger of Marshall and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville of Monroe.

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