VIDEO: Dick DeVos on Unions and Michigan’s New Right-to-Work Law

Rob Bluey / January 16, 2013

Late last year, while conservatives were still coming to terms with the re-election of President Obama, something remarkable happened in Michigan. A state that is synonymous with Big Labor enacted a right-to-work law.

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI) and Republican lawmakers had just witnessed the overwhelming rejection of a union-backed measure at the ballot box in November. Fearing the state was losing jobs to states with more friendly business climates — and workers could also lose freedoms in the workplace — they moved swiftly to make Michigan the 24th right-to-work state in America.

Earlier this week, Heritage hosted Michigan businessman and entrepreneur Dick DeVos, a former candidate for governor. I sat down with him to talk about how it happened and what lessons conservatives can take away from the victory as they make the case for freedom nationally and in states.

The interview runs about five minutes. It was produced and directed by Patrick Frank. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch more Heritage videos.