Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus

This morning members of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus and a coalition of labor voices took to the streets to stand in support of the United Six — a group of electricians formerly employed by United Electric Contractors.

https://housedems.com/carter-and-sabo-join-labor-rally-against-discrimination/

Right-to-Work (for less), collective bargaining restrictions, bad trade deals – Michigan’s unions have been hit hard in recent years. That’s why we need the new Labor Caucus “Putting ” bill package to protect collective bargaining.

Labor Caucus Unveils Legislative Package That Puts Workers First Bicameral, 34-bill package aims to restore organizing, collective bargaining and workers’ rights LANSING, Mich., Feb. 15, 2022 — The Michigan Labor Caucus held a press conference today to unveil its plan to put Michigan workers first by restoring organizing, collective bargaining and workers’ ...

2021 Labor Caucus year in review.

Rep. Terry Sabo Statement on the Passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Rep. Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon), Chairman of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus, released the following statement in response to yesterday’s news of the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka,” said Rep. Sabo. “Rich was a lifelong advocate for working people, devoting his life to keeping workers safe, ensuring fair compensation and benefits for their hard work, and protecting our democracy. His leadership in our movement was intense, inspirational, and will be sorely missed by all of us.

“Working people and working families are the backbone of America, and Rich knew that because he was one of us. His lifetime of honorable service to the labor movement should serve as motivation to every union member, activist, and pro-union legislator that together, we can continue his work of creating an equitable and just economy and society for all Americans. On behalf of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus, I’d like to thank Rich for that lifetime of service and make the promise that we will continue that service in solidarity with our union brothers and sisters in his memory.”

State Rep. Terry J. Sabo is serving his third term representing Michigan’s 92nd House District, which includes the cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights and North Muskegon along with the townships of Muskegon, Laketon, Fruitland and Whitehall. Rep. Sabo currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees on Transportation, Corrections and General Government – where he serves as the minority vice chair. Rep. Sabo also serves as the minority vice chair of the House Workforce, Trades, and Talent Committee and as chair of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus.

On March 11th, employees of Redford Michigan's 7-up Dr. Pepper distribution center and members of Teamsters Local 337 went on strike. This week, the demonstration turned violent when security hired by 7-up attacked a picketer and shouted racial slurs at demonstrators.

Yesterday we sent this letter to Robert Gamgort, CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper, urging the company to immediately return to the barging table.

Please do not buy any 7-Up products until 7-Up does the right thing by bargaining in good faith and rejecting racism within their company.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sabo to lead Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus

The Legislative Labor Caucus, now entering its second session, met this week to elect new executive officers for the current term

LANSING, Mich., March 18, 2021 - Representative Terry J. Sabo (D-Muskegon) was elected Chair of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus on Tuesday afternoon.

“As a union member for my entire professional career, I have always been a strong advocate for Michigan workers,” said Sabo. “I view the caucus’ role as an educational tool to educate members from both sides of the aisle about labor unions and to ensure that the working-class men and women of Michigan are represented in Lansing.” He added “the diversity that this newly elected executive board brings to the table will be an asset. That, coupled with the labor experience that each brings, will help us build a strong foundation for the caucus to build on for years to come.”

While the inaugural Labor Caucus was launched last legislative session, it was slow to get off the ground due to the COVID-19 pandemic and members are ready to pick up where they left off.

The Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus was founded in December of 2018 as a bi-partisan and bi-cameral caucus and will reconvene in the next couple of weeks to set priorities for the remainder of the two-year session. Sabo said he is hopeful to attract new members from both parties. They plan to host a statewide listening tour over the next year to listen to workers and rank and file union members from every corner of the state.

Joining Sabo as officers are:

Executive Vice Chair: Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac)
Secretary: Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park)
Treasurer: Rep. John Cherry (D-Flint)

Camilleri and Sabo introduce bills to protect workers, repeal Right to Work in MI

LANSING, Mich., February 9, 2021— Following years of Michigan workers being stripped of their organizing and bargaining power, State Reps. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon) introduced House Bills 4175 and 4176, which would repeal Michigan’s Right to Work law and restore worker protections to pre-2012 levels for private and public sector employees, respectively.

“As the son and grandson of union autoworkers, I’ve seen firsthand the way union membership builds power in our families and communities,” said Camilleri. “Over the past nine years, we’ve seen workers receiving lower wages on average while companies have enjoyed higher profits. By repealing this unjust law, we can strengthen the voices of Michigan workers and allow them to receive the pay, benefits, and protections they need and deserve.”

Michigan’s controversial Right to Work law was first passed in 2012 in an all-night lame duck session without bipartisan input or support, and studies have shown that workers in RTW states, both union and non-union, tend to earn lower wages on average and have lower-quality health and retirement benefits.

“As a retired firefighter and police officer belonging to a public sector union, I believe Michigan workers deserve a stronger voice and more protections for their wages and benefits,” said Sabo. “These two bills are needed in order to fix what the Republican Majority passed into law in 2012. These bills will help improve the lives of Michigan’s working families and the communities they live in.”

"Rick Snyder and Lansing Republicans have spent nearly a decade directly attacking working people's wages and rights to organize, and it has hurt our state's ability to recover from tough times like this terrible pandemic," said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. "Repealing so-called 'right to work' laws will give people the freedom to organize and bargain for a fair return on their work, it will boost wages for folks who need help right now, and it will give frontline workers more of a voice at work. We can do better as a state to help people get to work healthy and return home the same way. Let's get these laws repealed to help smooth the road ahead as Michigan continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic."

Happy Halloween from our family to yours! Be safe!

It's First Responders Day!

On this day in labor history: 1938, Congress passes first Minimum Wage Act.