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In Next Strike Against Unions GOP States Go After Wage Laws
Many states passed prevailing wage laws around the Depression to prevent out-of-state companies from underbidding local employers on public jobs. The federal government has a similar wage law that covers federal projects.
As the GOP won control of more state capitols in recent years, conservative and pro-business groups, including Americans for Prosperity, began pushing to repeal the state laws. Repeal supporters spent $357,000 on TV ads in Indiana and are likely to air some in Michigan, too.
While conservative lawmakers are enthusiastic, some governors have been skeptical.
Michigan's Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has complained that repealing the state's law would hamper his effort to bolster blue-collar jobs.
John DeLine, 35, an Army veteran who lives in the Hudson community southwest of Detroit, credits Michigan's law for his training as a carpenter apprentice and worries about having to get a second job if his wages drop.
"What kind of life is that?" he said, after serving three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan away from his family.
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At lease one GOP governor understands this as another attack on the middle class. I see it as a boon for the rich. Paying less wages. It's like the GOP sees China as a model for paying wages in this country.
Many states passed prevailing wage laws around the Depression to prevent out-of-state companies from underbidding local employers on public jobs. The federal government has a similar wage law that covers federal projects.
As the GOP won control of more state capitols in recent years, conservative and pro-business groups, including Americans for Prosperity, began pushing to repeal the state laws. Repeal supporters spent $357,000 on TV ads in Indiana and are likely to air some in Michigan, too.
While conservative lawmakers are enthusiastic, some governors have been skeptical.
Michigan's Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has complained that repealing the state's law would hamper his effort to bolster blue-collar jobs.
John DeLine, 35, an Army veteran who lives in the Hudson community southwest of Detroit, credits Michigan's law for his training as a carpenter apprentice and worries about having to get a second job if his wages drop.
"What kind of life is that?" he said, after serving three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan away from his family.
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At lease one GOP governor understands this as another attack on the middle class. I see it as a boon for the rich. Paying less wages. It's like the GOP sees China as a model for paying wages in this country.
