Union power grab on Michigan ballot

The battle is under way in Michigan, a bastion of labor unions, where voters will consider Proposal 2, a constitutional amendment to guarantee collective bargaining rights and prohibit right-to-work laws that prevent citizens from being forced to join unions as a condition of employment.

For union officials to feel that extraordinary constitutional protections are needed, even in labor strongholds such as Michigan, suggests voter sentiment is moving against them. One reason may be the unreasonable stances often taken by unions. For example, opponents warn Proposal 2 may trump a Michigan law making it easier to fire bad teachers, among other things.

Michigan voters appear increasingly skeptical of Proposal 2 despite their historic union sympathies. A recent Detroit News poll showed just 43.2 percent of voters in support and a large pool of undecideds.