(Source: MIRS.news, Published 11/25/2024) The United Auto Workers (UAW) is telling legislators that in the final days of the Democratic trifecta, they need to pick a side. Is their lame duck agenda going to help the working class or corporations?  

The state's largest union, with more than 300,000 active members, said that for too long, corporations and the rich have taken more of the wealth they've created for themselves.   

"They've rigged the rules of our politics and pitted working-class people against one another by telling us there isn't enough for everyone. That must end," reads the UAW statement.  

In terms of tangible legislative priorities, MIRS has learned the UAW would like to see a repeal of the nicknamed "Death Star" legislation, which would allow local governments to set minimum wage rates and benefits mandates higher than the statewide standard. 

They also would like to see:  

- Allowing eligible workers to receive unemployment insurance (UI) for 26 weeks as opposed to 20 and increasing the maximum weekly benefit from $362, which was set roughly 20 years ago.  

- Reforms to the state's workers' compensation system, the rules of which they argue are benefiting employers at the expense of workers.  

- Rules limiting investors from gobbling up inventory of manufactured housing, which they argue makes it more expensive for working families to afford a home.  

In terms of a long-term road funding proposal or legislation to encourage a large microchip producer to come to Mundy Township, union officials aren't taking a position other than to stress that the interests of the working class are addressed in the final product.  

"Michigan's lawmakers can fight for the working class or do the bidding of corporations and big donors, but they can't do both. It's time to pick a side," the UAW statement reads.   

"We must go on offense for living wages, health care, retirement with dignity, and time with our families. We must defend against corporate greed and divide-and-conquer politics."