Snyder Signs Law Banning College Athletic Unions

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a law prohibiting college athletes at public universities from unionizing.

The measure blocks collective bargaining for university athletes by saying they aren't public employees. It's a pre-emptive move after Northwestern University football players in April held a secret vote on whether to unionize at the private school in Evanston, Illinois.

There are no reports of such efforts at any Michigan public or private university. Major college sports conferences and the NCAA have spoken out against unionization.

Snyder's office said Tuesday that the law ensures college athletes are students "first and foremost."

Michigan is the second state to respond after Northwestern players were allowed to vote on union representation. The votes have not been counted while the National Labor Relations Board considers a legal challenge.
© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.