“Protect Our Jobs” Campaign Launches to Protect Collective Bargaining Rights, Strengthen Michigan’s Middle Class

“Rebuilding our economy means working together to strengthen the middle class, so small businesses can grow and create more jobs,” said John Armelagos, a registered nurse from Ann Arbor. “Now more than ever, workers need the right to speak up to protect our wages, our benefits, and our voice – and that’s what this proposal is all about. Michigan workers helped create the middle class, and now we need to protect our collective bargaining rights to help rebuild our economy.”

Over the past year, Lansing politicians have moved one anti-worker measure after another, doing nothing to help put Michigan back to work. There are currently more than 80 bills pending in the Michigan Legislature that weaken protections for working people and dismantle collective bargaining rights. Just last week, the Legislature approved a bill (SB 971) that would ban collective bargaining rights for graduate student research employees, over the objections of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

“It’s clear Lansing politicians are making a political power grab and trying to silence the collective voice of our teachers, nurses, and firefighters,” said Karen Kuciel, a 5th grade teacher from Warren. “Collective bargaining rights give all workers a voice, and help protect your job, your wages and benefits, and your safety. Without these protections, CEOs can arbitrarily fire workers, cut wages, pensions and health care benefits, and outsource jobs to countries like China and Mexico.”

Citizens can learn more about the campaign and read the petition language by visiting www.ProtectOurJobs.com.