On Tuesday, March 21, House Democrats gave final approval to bills to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure Michigan’s trained and talented workers are paid what they’re worth. Together, House Bill 4004 and Senate Bill 34 repeal the so-called “right-to-work” bills that sapped unions’ ability to negotiate on their members’ behalf for better compensation and working conditions.
HB 4007 and SB 6 reinstate Michigan’s prevailing wage law. The Legislature repealed the prevailing wage law in 2018, claiming it would save taxpayers money on public construction projects. No evidence of those savings ever materialized; in fact, studies have shown that construction projects where prevailing wage is paid are more likely to be completed on time and under budget.
The bills now head to the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her consideration and signing into law.