Michigan, the heart of big labor, moving on Right to Work

Amazing, Michigan, the land of the Big 3 automakers and double the unionization rate of New Mexico, is on the verge of passing Right to Work legislation. This law, if enacted, would prohibit “closed shops” and arrangements that make union membership a condition of employment.

According to media reports, the legislation has already passed the Michigan House of Representatives and looks good for final passage despite protests of organized labor.

Meanwhile, New Mexico’s newly-elected liberal Legislature will likely stand in opposition to a job creating right to work law. This situation is made all the more troubling given the fact that New Mexico is one of the two biggest job-losing states in the nation.

Nonetheless, we wish Michigan well. As other states become more competitive, their success will both provide an example for and put pressure on laggards like New Mexico.