Unions Representing Michigan Workers Lose Case Over Dues

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court says state workers can't be forced to pay labor unions for negotiating contracts and providing other services.

In a 4-3 decision Wednesday, the court says the state Civil Service Commission lacks the authority to impose mandatory fees on thousands of civil servants.

It's a big defeat for unions, especially the United Auto Workers, which have been collecting fees from state workers, even if workers didn't want full membership.

Michigan has had a right-to-work law since 2013. It says public and private employees don't have to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.

"The unions told the state Supreme Court that right-to-work doesn't apply to public employees. The Supreme Court told the unions, you're wrong, it does," explained WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick.

"The unions told the state Supreme Court that the legislature did not have the authority to change the employee retirement system. The Supreme Court told the unions, wrong again. Indeed the legislature did not expand on its authority and did everything legal," Skubick said.

The Supreme Court said its decision isn't really based on the right-to-work law anyway, saying the ruling is based on the Civil Service Commission's powers as described in the constitution.

In general, right-to-work laws prohibit requiring unions from collecting fees from non-union employees, which opponents say drains unions of money and weakens their ability to bargain for good wages and benefits. Supporters insist it will boost the economy and job creation.  Police and firefighters are exempt in the legislation.

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