Michigan Right-to-Work Law to End, Strengthening Unions in Controversial Move

Some believe that the governor repealed Michigan’s opportunity to compete with the 26 states.

Michigan's governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks at Ford's press conference announcing its partnership with Chinese EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) to create a new EV battery park, in Romulus, Mich., on Feb. 13, 2023. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Michigan will repeal its right-to-work statute, enacted in 2012, on March 24, making it the first state to do so in nearly six decades.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the move is essential to protect the rights of union workers in the state, which, at 166,800, is home to the most auto manufacturing jobs in the U.S.