Collective bargaining amendment to the Michigan constitution is on the ballot this year

In Michigan this year, Proposition 2 will give voters an opportunity to amend the Michigan state constitution so that it protects the collective bargaining rights of public and private employees. Labor unions spearheaded the effort to place this issue on the ballot out of fear that anti-union legislation in nearby states like Wisconsin would spread to it. Four states have enshrined collective bargaining rights in their constitutions but this is the first time voters could do it through a ballot initiative.

“Collective bargaining gave us the 8-hour workday, weekends, and health care benefits — things that we all rely on but sometimes take for granted,” says Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune, who supports the proposed constitutional amendment. “It’s important that we pull together to build on that progress and give working families the opportunity to provide better lives for their children, and Prop 2 does just that.”