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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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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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