Posted on Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
University of Michigan graduate students sue over state law banning unions
By Kellie Woodhouse
Two University of Michigan students are suing over a recent law passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder prohibiting graduate student researchers from unionizing, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The suit claims the law —already the subject of a legal dispute spurred by Democrat lawmakers who oppose a procedural maneuver Republicans used to put the law into immediate effect in March— violates the state constitution and the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Read the full Detroit Free Press article here.
Comments
Forever27
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:14 p.m.
everyone hates unions until labor day weekend.
Basic Bob
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
Right, then we are in the plants doing shutdown work for straight time while the union provides coverage guys earning triple-time. Luckily, they hide in the back and barbeque, so they don't interfere with progress as much as usual.
Townie
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:46 a.m.
Our legislature seems to feel it can do whatever it wants to anyone, anywhere. Whether there's really a reason for it or not - ideology first and foremost. Now let's see if the courts agree.
Atlas Shrugged
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:38 a.m.
Get back to your work, grad students, and stop the law suit stuff. Yes, STUDENTS. When I was a graduate student, long ago, I had some of my most productive years... productive in terms of what I did as a grad student helped immensely with my learning, my skills, publications, and my eventual marketability for a faculty position and the salary that goes along with it. Yup, the work was hard, the hours were long, and the pay/stipend wasn't great. But I was basically receiving free (paid-for) training for a career that has served me well, and that has enabled me to help teach, train, and mentor many other students. I say thanks every day for the opportunities I had as a grad student. I had opportunities given to me, and so do you. And as a token of appreciation for your honored and paid-for position, you want to unionize? SUE? Get a life, you weenies.
Forever27
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
yes they are students. but they're also employees of the university. As such, they have a right to organized labor. You can be both a student and an employee at the same time. crazy concept, i know.
Caferacer
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.
I wish people would just focus on doing their job; work hard and have confidence that they will succeed on their own merit without the mob tactics and intimidation strategies of a union.
Commoncents
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:39 p.m.
Unions RUIN businesses. Do your homework grad students! I find it ironic a bunch of students who find themselves as smart wouldn't understand how a Union works... haha
Ron Granger
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
Apparently you are unaware of the labor practices this in nation before unions. Perhaps you would enjoy reading some history of Ford Motor and Unions. http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/fmc/battle.asp
Mick52
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
GM and Chrysler for two. Ruin may be a bit harsh, but if you look today where business are going you will see that the right to work states are where business are opening up. Michigan lost a VW plant to Tennessee in '06 or '07 for that reason. I am not completely anti union because bad management is so common. If employees think their employer is not taking care of them, they unionize. Or if your management is bad, same thing. But employees should have a right to work at a place and not have to join a union. I think in the long run unions hurt employees more than help them.
cgerben
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:42 a.m.
Evidence?
u812
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
We no longer live in America & the Constitution does not exist.
Sparty
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
Yes, when Michigan voters retake it's House from the right-wing republicans and provide some needed balance against the NERD and the republican Senate.
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
I agree, but we'll be fixing that in November.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
Get back to class.