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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Michigan Unions Mobilize to Protect Bargaining Rights

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012   

LANSING, Mich. - It's no secret that the Republican-led state legislature is not exactly union-friendly, passing numerous bills that chip away at union strength and talking openly about making Michigan a right-to-work state. Now, a coalition of the state's largest labor unions is fighting back. It's announcing a major petition drive for an amendment to the state constitution, to protect collective bargaining rights.

Steven Cook, who heads the Michigan Education Association, says that in his opinion, it's no coincidence that the middle-class way of life in Michigan was strongest when union membership and rights were at their peak.

"It is also no coincidence that the middle class has suffered tremendous damage while extreme politicians launch relentless attacks on unions and collective bargaining. "

The coalition, which calls itself "Protect Our Jobs," will need to collect more than 300,000 signatures to have the amendment placed on the November ballot. Cook says virtually all of Michigan's labor unions have signed on to help collect signatures.

Republicans say recent bills, like the one that prohibits school districts from automatically deducting union dues from teachers' paychecks, are designed to keep school administrators focused on education.

However, Cook sees it as an attempt to undermine union membership and finances.

"This legislation serves no purpose except to punish unions and their members. It creates no jobs, saves school districts no money, and does nothing to improve education. "

Organizers of the petition drive have until July to collect the required signatures.


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