LANSING, Mich. – The final vote for right-to-work is next Tuesday and security at the state capitol is noticeably tighter.
Sources tell Local 4 threats have been issued amid the raging debate over right-to-work. The nature of the threats is unknown, but Michigan State Police said they are monitoring the security of individuals as well as buildings in Lansing. Police are planning to patrol the capitol around the clock.
On Thursday, 2,500 protesters packed the Capitol Building. Police pepper sprayed some and arrested eight people. None of those arrested will be charged.
Right-to-Work opponents appear to be virtually out of political options. State Representative Tim Greimel, who takes over as Home Democratic Leader next year said republicans have engaged in deceptions and trickery.
"We don't have a lot of leverage at this point," said Greimel. "We're dedicated to doing all we can that's legal and ethical to slow this process down."
President Obama, who has denounced the right-to-work legislation, will be at the Detroit Diesel plant on Monday. Michigan Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer said she wants the president to block federals dollars that were part of Governor Snyder's plan for a new international bridge. Other top democrats say even if the president could do it, they don't support that tactic.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Michael Moore tweeted Friday "If you write, direct, edit, shoot or do sound for me on my next movie, you will not work for me unless you belong to the union. I will not obey this law."
Lawmakers are expected to give final approval to the right-to-work bills Tuesday. Governor Snyder would quickly sign them into law. Employees would have the option of not paying union dues.
UAW Local 600 in Dearborn plans to hold civil disobedience training on Saturday. A spokesperson for the Michigan Republican Party calls that a troubling sign for Tuesday. The UAW said the protest will be peaceful.