Joey Combs, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 517M, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about a plan to repeal So-Called “Right to Work” laws.
SEIU Local 517M represents about 7,000 public sector union members in Michigan.
Combs detailed a shift in power following recent elections that have allowed the first steps of the repeal to begin in Michigan. She explained why fighting So-Called “Right to Work” laws is important as a repeal will prevent wages from being decreased and ensures the ability to negotiate for good benefits.
She feels union members should be involved in the political process. For her Local and other similar unions, this is imperative because employees in public sector work for elected officials, who determine working conditions and fringe benefits.
Combs also addressed the importance of being able to form a union. Corporations and politicians, she argued, should not be allowed to interfer in the process.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: