Obama opposes Michigan's right-to-work legislation

White House: Obama opposes Michigan's right-to-work bill, efforts to roll back labor rights

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Published On: Dec 06 2012 08:51:33 PM EST   Updated On: Dec 06 2012 08:54:38 PM EST
President Obama Labor Day Detroit Speech
LANSING, Mich. -

President Barack Obama has repeated his opposition to right-to-work laws as the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature adopted the union-curbing measure.

The Michigan House and Senate voted Thursday to approve a bill barring unions from collecting mandatory fees from non-members. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder also endorsed it Thursday.

Read: Michigan House, Senate approve right-to-work legislation

White House spokesman Matt Lehrich says Obama has long opposed right to work laws, "and he continues to oppose them now."

The spokesman says Obama believes the economy "is stronger when workers get good wages and good benefits, and he opposes attempts to roll back their rights."

Lehrich says Michigan workers' role in helping reviving the U.S. auto industry shows "how unions have helped build a strong middle class and a strong American economy."