Small Business Sounds the Alarm for Worker Freedom in Michigan

February 13, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

NFIB Will Work for Right-to-Work, As Repeal Threatens Main Street Businesses, Jobs

Small Business Sounds the Alarm for Worker Freedom in Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LANSING (Feb. 13, 2023) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Michigan and the nation’s leading small advocacy association, has consistently supported worker freedom and Right-to-Work initiatives and will work against current efforts to repeal Right-to-Work. Such statutes guarantee workers the right to accept employment without being compelled to join a union. Michigan enacted workplace freedom legislation in 2012 and officially became a Right-to-Work state in March 2013. This and other reforms fueled economic growth and brought Michigan out of the “lost decade.” The state experienced an improved economic environment and boosted business start-ups and job growth. Now, special interest groups in Lansing want to shackle Michigan’s workers and force them once again to join and pay for unions they do not support. “This is a vital issue for both small business employers and for their employees,” said NFIB State Director Amanda Fisher. “If the big unions and progressive activist groups succeed in ramming through a Right-to-Work repeal, worker freedom in Michigan will be eliminated and Main Street’s ability to create jobs, find workers, pay employees, and compete with neighboring states will be severely damaged. NFIB members and small business owners stand firm for their employees, who should have the right to decide for themselves whether or not to belong to a union. Small business believes that workers should not be forced to pay for a union they don’t support.” “The statistics are clear that workplace freedom leads to greater economic growth and prosperity for all Michiganders,” continued Fisher. “After years of government mandated shutdowns, record inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, small business cannot afford another hit to Michigan’s economy. Workers should not have to choose between losing their job and joining a union. Small Business knows that worker freedom is key to growing the economy and attracting new industries to our state, and NFIB will fight to protect the Right-to-Work in Michigan.” In January, NFIB members were balloted concerning this issue, and 85% support keeping Right-to-Work in Michigan.

###

For nearly 80 years, NFIB has been the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington,?D.C.,?and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit?www.NFIB.com.

Topics:

Labor

State:

Michigan

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More