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Michigan Senate bills would revive dues skim for home health workers

Government employees can opt out of unions, but Senate Bill 790 would make it much harder

… November 2006 and February 2013. The dues skim ended in March 2013, when the SEIU’s contract expired. “The checks mailed in March are expected to be the last … reported back then. The same day Hertel submitted Senate Bill 790, the SEIU announced plans to spend $200 million to re-elect President Joe Biden. … more

Can Whitmer council find a way to grow Michigan?

What we know so far about the council and who will serve on it

… Conservation Voters And of course, union representatives: Steve Claywell, the president of the Michigan Building Trades Council Ray Sholtz, the president of SEIU Michigan According to the executive order: “The Council’s membership should reflect the socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, occupational, … more

Michigan lawmakers have not tried to solve union ‘free rider’ problem

One in three bills in Michigan in 2023 has been labor-related. None try to solve a long-claimed problem. Why?

… employees. Why would lawmakers leave a glaring problem unaddressed? A 2018 memo on public policy priorities, co-authored by the AFSCME, AFT, NEA and SEIU labor unions, sheds light. The joint memo considers it counterproductive to solve the free-rider dilemma. In the eyes of the union, to leave free-riders … more

Michigan home health workers would be protected from dues skim if right-to-work is repealed

Home health care workers are one group of people who would not be affected by right-to-work’s repeal

… to the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, in what is now known as a “dues skim.” The SEIU was permitted, during the administration of former … says, to learn that she won’t be forced to pay the SEIU, even if lawmakers repeal right-to-work. That’s … more

SEIU Healthcare Michigan is under trusteeship once again

Its second trusteeship in five years owes to ‘substantiated allegations of serious malpractice’

SEIU Healthcare Michigan is under a trusteeship for the second … The letter, available on SEIU’s website, says that new trustees … effective April 27. Their job, SEIU International President Mary … fund are not misappropriated. SEIU Healthcare Michigan was also … malpractice. In the early 2000s, SEIU locals across the country, … more

Despite Collapse in Membership, SEIU Poised to Go All-In in Michigan

$150 million campaign blunted by right-to-work law

The SEIU is making a huge political investment to defeat President Donald Trump … members or paying fees to a union, SEIU Michigan has lost 51% of its members and SEIU Healthcare Michigan has lost 84% of … their unions. Since then, the national SEIU has lost 8% of its dues and fee payers, … more

Dues Skimming Meets Its Demise

Federal rule ends a union's ability to involuntarily take money from home health care givers

… from the Legislature. Then the SEIU held an election, in which … that was enough to install SEIU Healthcare Michigan as the … the dues began flowing to the SEIU. By March 2012, a total of … legislation to end it. But still, the SEIU persisted, going so far as … payments and membership in SEIU Healthcare Michigan plummeted. … more

A Steady Decline for Unions Under Michigan’s Right-to-Work Law

The birthplace of the modern labor movement finds workers increasingly opting out

… placed under the control of outside trustees. And the end of a dues scheme by which tens of thousands of home caregivers were forcibly unionized by the SEIU Healthcare has meant an astounding 84 percent membership loss. In June 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Janus v. AFSCME that all public sector … more

Even After Right-to-Work, Unions Still Big Political Spenders in Michigan

… This data comes from state and federal campaign spending reports. The SEIU’s affiliated super PAC, United We Can, made almost $1.3 million in independent … the Michigan Democratic Party and $68,000 to Gov. Whitmer’s campaign. The SEIU Michigan State Council made a $25,000 contribution to Gov. Whitmer’s campaign. … more

Right-To-Work Repeal Bill Denies Government Workers’ Civil Rights

Michigan Dem’s legislation appears to defy US Supreme Court’s 2018 Janus ruling

… of Michigan's government unions have seen double-digit declines in fee-paying employees. For example, the Michigan State Employees Association and SEIU Local 517M saw 20 percent drops. Among other things, declining revenue affects the union’s ability to engage in political activism. Economist James … more

How Right-to-Work Affected Michigan’s State Employee Unions

See the status of five of the state's top unions

… is a union for state police officers, who were exempted from the law.) These unions are the Michigan State Employees Association, UAW Local 6000, SEIU 517, AFSCME Council 25 and the Michigan Corrections Officers. Here is a look at the percentage of workers choosing to remain members of these unions … more

Even After Right-to-Work, Unions Still Big Political Spenders in Michigan

Organized labor gave millions to Democratic candidates and groups in 2018

… This data comes from state and federal campaign spending filings. The SEIU’s affiliated super PAC, United We Can, made almost $1.3 million in independent … board elections, state board of regent races and judicial elections. The SEIU Michigan State Council made a $25,000 contribution to Gov. Whitmer’s campaign. … more

Public Sector Unions’ Mixed Fortunes After Michigan Right-To-Work Law

Too soon to tell how much U.S. Supreme Court’s extension of RTW to public sector nationwide will affect union finances

… Others, including the Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA) and the SEIU Local 517M, have seen declines of 20 percent or more. The number of workers paying fees to MSEA fell by 345, from 3,079 to 2,734. SEIU Local 517M decreased by 782 individuals, going from 3,532 to 2,750. Before … more

Teachers Union Could Face Millions In Clawback Payments To Workers

Federal class-action lawsuit contends compulsory fee payments violated government workers' free speech

… across the country to stop withholding union fees from the paychecks of people who had opted out of dues payments, if they had been doing so.  The SEIU settled the lawsuit for $2,200 with an Oregon woman who had claimed the union had violated her constitutional rights by taking money from her even … more

Medicaid Dues Skim May Come To An End, After All

Friends, relatives of disabled individuals among those swept into public sector unions

… Department of Community Health ended a contract with the SEIU that had been established during the term of former … from Medicaid checks to union coffers, usually the SEIU or the American Federation of State, County and … “According to a report by the U.S. Department of Labor, SEIU Healthcare Michigan’s membership fell from 55,265 … more

Detroit Council Calls For $15 Minimum Wage; Many City Workers Get Less

Statement ‘strongly encourages downtown developers’ to pay a living wage

… pay at least $15 an hour, the city government is still posting jobs paying less than that. The union behind the local minimum wage campaign is the SEIU, which a week earlier organized a rally that was attended by Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones. The resolution reads in part, “The Detroit … more

Recent Corruption Scandals Involving Some of Michigan’s Largest Unions

Embezzlement, financial malpractice plague unions

… of Electrical Workers Local 876 was convicted of embezzling more than $300,000 from the union. She was sentenced to four years in federal prison. SEIU Healthcare Michigan was placed under an emergency trusteeship in 2017 by its parent organization after allegations of financial malpractice came to … more

A Look at Unions in Michigan, Five Years After Right-to-Work

Most of state’s largest unions have seen a collapse in members and political spending

… primarily by six different unions:  the MSEA, MCO, SEIU Local 517, Troopers Association, AFSCME Council … 2016 has plummeted from $844,766 to $319,766. SEIU Michigan is composed mostly of private sector health … the state are up 38,400 jobs (about 7 percent). SEIU Healthcare Michigan, which was composed almost … more

Michigan’s Largest Teachers Union Funds Leftist Activist Group

Michigan Education Association gave Progress Michigan $71,000 this year

… employee unions. They include Doug Pratt, the MEA’s public affairs director, Bob Allison, executive director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Michigan State Council, and Georgi-Ann Bargamian, a regional director of the United Auto Workers. The UAW represents thousands of Michigan state government … more

How Right-to-Work and the End of the 'Dues Skim' Killed the SEIU in Michigan

Membership, revenue and political spending plummet

… choice about supporting the SEIU, they responded by opting out … Jennifer Granholm worked with the SEIU to “organize” home caregivers. … “government employees” so that the SEIU could claim to be representing … annually from Medicaid recipients. SEIU Healthcare-Michigan then tried … choice. If they believed the SEIU was doing a good job “representing” … more

Unions Admit Forcing People to Pay Dues is Political

U.S. Supreme Court considers right-to-work for all

… Without those resources, the union movement was unable to mount a winning campaign for the Democratic candidate for president in Wisconsin. When the SEIU bankrolled a ballot proposal to continue the “dues skim” from home caregivers in Michigan, the president of the union said at the Democratic National … more

The Legislative Clock is Ticking

It’s time for free-market reformers to act

… tied revenue sharing to best practices, banned monopolistic union hiring practices, enacted significant collective bargaining reforms and banned the SEIU’s “dues skim” of day care providers. The Legislature kept up a good pace of reform in 2012, cutting the personal property tax on tools and equipment, … more

The Legislative Clock is Ticking

It's time for free-market reformers to act

… tied revenue sharing to best practices, banned monopolistic union hiring practices, enacted significant collective bargaining reforms and banned the SEIU’s “dues skim” of day care providers. The Legislature kept up a good pace of reform in 2012, cutting the personal property tax on tools and equipment, … more

Union Behind Michigan ‘Dues Skim’ Facing More Corruption Allegations

SEIU Healthcare Michigan has a history of problems

… the ongoing saga surrounding SEIU Healthcare Michigan. This union is not new to scandals. SEIU Healthcare Michigan secretly … forced to belong to the union, SEIU Healthcare Michigan membership … been breaking away from the SEIU and repeatedly alleging corruption … almost unanimous vote, claiming SEIU Healthcare Michigan was spending … more

Time for Labor Unions to Collect their Own Dues

The on-going SEIU dues skim must end

… organizations — primarily the SEIU — still siphon an estimated … in private sector unionism, SEIU sought to regain ground by … government-administered aid program. SEIU entrapped workers any way it … children, decided to stand up to SEIU. The Legislature banned the practice but not before SEIU collected $34 million from … more

Public School Union Members Protest Their Own Union

… Public Schools support staff members went to Lansing to conduct a protest against their own union recently. They are taking steps to separate from the SEIU Local 517M and represent themselves. One Taylor support staff union member explained their complaints in a video. more

SEIU Sues Its Own Members for Banquet Hall They Paid For

Taylor school employees decertify, so union retaliates

… decade-old merger between the SEIU’s Taylor and Lansing affiliates. … merger. Because of the merger, SEIU Local 517M of Lansing is technically … nearly 400 signatures to the SEIU headquarters in Washington, … “We had planned on staying SEIU — just dissolve the merger,” … and represent ourselves.” SEIU Local 517M did not respond … more

Worker Freedom Won Tuesday

… initiative pushed by unions to keep groups like the Freedom Foundation from contacting home health care workers to inform them of their rights to leave the SEIU. The measure succeeded  by a vote of 72 percent to 28 percent, which will mean that it will be harder for home health care workers to learn about their … more

Michigan Pushes Back Against Feds on Labor Regulations

NLRB ruling could end franchising 'as we know it'

… “Their latest gambit would undo decades of precedent in the franchise industry and do irreparable harm to one of the bedrocks of small business.” The SEIU national office didn’t respond to an email seeking comment. more

Unions are Super PACS

Former Democratic Party Chairman admits double-standard

… according to a POLITICO analysis of data from the Federal Election Commission and Internal Revenue Service. Bob Allison, the executive director of the SEIU Michigan State Council, did not respond to an email offering him the opportunity to comment. Doug Pratt, the director of public affairs for the Michigan … more

Union Activists Protest Opposition to Coerced Union Dues

U.S. Supreme Court to consider case next week

… Service Employees International Union (SEIU). From 2005 to 2013, the SEIU had a dues skimming scheme by which … by sending its press release on behalf of SEIU Michigan. “We’re protesting the Mackinac … home-based caregivers on behalf of an SEIU affiliate in 2013, its membership dropped … more

Study: They Spend Millions, but Minimal Transparency Required for Government Union Finances

… union of Steffke’s local, the AFT, is one of the top 10 labor organizations in political spending nationally, with a tally of $21,457,153 in 2012. (The SEIU tops the list, spending nearly $113,820,009 that year on political activity and lobbying.) Steffke would also like to know how much local member dues … more

SEIU Affiliate’s Revenue Cut in Half After 'Dues Skim' Ended

SEIU Healthcare Michigan dues collection went from $11.3 million to $5.4 million

… enabled the exploitation ended. SEIU Healthcare Michigan reported … back to the mid-2000s when SEIU moved to grab a share of the … of Gov. Jennifer Granholm, SEIU was allowed to carry out the … into the union's coffers. SEIU Healthcare Michigan's required … after dues and fees, most of SEIU Healthcare Michigan's remaining … more

Labor Union Caught in Dues Skim Fails to File Annual Report with Federal Government

SEIU Healthcare Michigan reported losing 80 percent of its members after dues skim ended

Last year when SEIU Healthcare Michigan reported losing more … U.S. Department of Labor. “For SEIU Healthcare Michigan, their … late they are in violation.” SEIU Healthcare Michigan’s reported … more than $34 million to the SEIU. In 2014 the union waited … entirely without the dues skim. SEIU Healthcare Michigan now apparently … more

Court of Claims Tosses MEA's Right-to-Work Lawsuit

State Capitol was closed when union protesters pushed past guards, impeded medical workers

… conscience on the job." ~~~~~ See also: VIDEOS: Union Right-to-Work Protest Goes Violent Most of the Arrested Anti Right-to-Work Protesters Have SEIU 'Dues Skim' Connections 'We'll Be at Your Daughter's Soccer Game' more

CapCon Interview with Founding Editor Ken Braun and Mackinac Center President Joseph G. Lehman

On its fifth year anniversary, a history lesson

… of the shine came off the program and it was eventually scaled back substantially. I think it’s also fair to say that we wouldn’t have ended the SEIU’s unconscionable skimming of so-called dues dollars from Medicaid recipients without CapCon reporter Jack Spencer’s work. That union quietly stole $6 … more

The Best of the Best: CapCon's Top 10 Stories of 2014

Police seize property; religious discrimination in school contracts; Obamacare piles on disabled family’s burdens

… be forced to pay property tax on their business tools and equipment. 10. SEIU Membership Drops 80 Percent After Dues Skim Ends Once they were free to choose for themselves whether to pay dues money to the SEIU union, most home-based caregivers in Michigan quickly bailed. About 44,000 … more

Two Wins for Freedom from Union Coercion in 2014

The end of the dues skim and the busting of the 'August Window'

… what later became known as the SEIU dues skim. It was a scheme … forced unionization and the SEIU maneuvering to keep it going. … of the millions of dollars SEIU was taking from home-based … to outlaw the dues skim. The SEIU went to court to keep it alive … of 2013 – but only after the SEIU had extracted more than $34 … more

Appointments: A Rarely Recognized Gubernatorial Power

Which can have major effects

… the 2012 election. This was the action that finally led to the end of the SEIU healthcare dues skim. Governors also make appointments to the Michigan … to which a governor makes appointments is extensive. ~~~~~ See also: SEIU Dues Skim Finally Grounds to a Halt more

Democrat Mark Schauer Receiving the Big Donations in Gubernatorial Race

But despite appearances, political race contributions reflect typical pattern

Though Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates differ on issues like right-to-work, the SEIU dues skim and government regulations, the apparent contrast between their campaign finance reports could come as a surprise to many. Lists of campaign contributions to former Congressman Mark Schauer, the Democratic … more

SEIU: Go on strike against your family members

The SEIU represents hundreds of thousands of health care workers and is now encouraging them to march … Michigan, 75 percent of those home-care aid workers the SEIU is urging to strike are taking care of a relative … country were formerly forcibly unionized by the SEIU. That ended this summer when the U.S. Supreme Court … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Summer 2014 Edition

In this issue: SEIU Membership Drops 80 Percent After Dues Skim Ends Michigan Families Helped Harris v. Quinn Succeed The 89,000 Clean Energy Jobs Myth How To Tell What a Bill Actually Does Michigan Loses 40K Grads; Corporate Welfare Program Paid $127K Each To Keep 125 Of Them Beverly Hills Cop Daycare … more

Supreme Court Ends ‘Dues Skim’ Nationwide

… decades-long membership slump. SEIU began organizing caregivers … arrangement was quite simple: SEIU would convince a state agency … of the Medicaid payments to SEIU in the form of union dues, … caregivers greatly enriched SEIU. We exposed a similar scheme … the program, but not before SEIU skimmed $34 million away from … more

Harris v. Quinn

… Jennifer Granholm. The first to arrive was the SEIU, which sought the creation of a faux employer so … individuals. The home help unionization got the SEIU around $6 million a year, while the day care providers … seek a repayment of the dues money taken by the SEIU from home-based caregivers, an amount that exceeds … more

Supreme Court Ruling Opens Door For Daycare Workers To Get Money Back

Unions took $4 million from Michigan daycare workers; class action lawsuit now possible

… its scheme in place than it took the SEIU with the home-based caregivers. The … Michigan Capitol Confidential of the SEIU Dues Skim Legal Foundation Seeks Return Of 'Dues Skim' Money SEIU Election Battle Hinges On Home-Based … Unionization Scheme Infighting At The SEIU How the Forced Unionization of Day … more

Michigan Families Set Stage For Helping End Forced Unionization Schemes

Supreme Court ruled daycare, home-based caregivers not public employees and can't be unionized

… unionization attempts. The SEIU went after the home-based caregivers … which later became known as the SEIU "dues skim" involved numerous twists, turns and detours.  The SEIU's scheme in Michigan was orchestrated … caregiver forced unionization were SEIU officials from California with … Stern, who headed the national SEIU until 2010, and in the early … more

Supreme Court Rules Unionization Schemes Involving Home-Based Care Providers Are Illegal

Mackinac Center represented workers similar to those in Illinois who were forced to pay union dues simply because they got state money

… that the 'dues skim' that the SEIU set up in Michigan was unconstitutional." … the country. In Michigan, the SEIU Healthcare Michigan orchestrated … was disbanded last year. The SEIU, however, went to great lengths … positions to delay action. The SEIU also tried to get its scheme locked … points. Earlier this year, the SEIU was fined nearly $200,000 for … more

Audit Shows SEIU 'Dues Skim' Likely Bolstered By Extra $3.7 Million; Union-Run Registry Ineffective

… end of the "dues skim,” the SEIU would have been enriched by … Gov. Jennifer Granholm, the SEIU carried out the forced unionization … caregivers were unionized by the SEIU. And it acknowledged that family … caregivers. In 2012, when the SEIU attempted to lock the forced … and the cover group for the SEIU that funded Proposal 4, did … more

Unionization Ruling Before The Supreme Court Could Be 'Huge'

Political consultant: Ruling could 'dramatically undermine public sector unions'

… Unionization Michigan Capitol Confidential of the SEIU Dues Skim Legal Foundation Seeks Return Of 'Dues Skim' Money SEIU Election Battle Hinges On Home-Based Caregivers … Reject Forced Unionization Scheme Infighting At The SEIU How the Forced Unionization of Day Care and Home … more

Unionization Case Before The Supreme Court Could Have Lasting National Impact

Harris v. Quinn could make all public employees eligible for right-to-work; case is flying under the radar

… Michigan's dues skim, which resulted in the SEIU taking more than $34 million from the … Michigan Capitol Confidential of the SEIU Dues Skim Legal Foundation Seeks Return Of 'Dues Skim' Money SEIU Election Battle Hinges On Home-Based … Unionization Scheme Infighting At The SEIU How the Forced Unionization of Day … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Spring 2014 Edition

… with State Tax Dollars Message From the President: Defending Free Speech Vague Criminal Laws Threaten Individual Liberty and Burden the Justice System SEIU Fined Almost $200,000 Over Actions Tied To 2012 Ballot Proposal Campaign Lawsuit Filed Against MEA Over Dues Policies, ‘Fair Representation’ Hospital … more

SEIU Membership Drops 80 Percent After Dues Skim Ends

Union loses $4.2 million in dues and fees

… caregivers no longer are part of the SEIU Healthcare Michigan, according … to pay dues or fees to the SEIU after the union orchestrated … in 2013, but not before the SEIU took more than $34 million … traditional organizing drives. The SEIU health care workers were organized … 2013. During those years, the SEIU Healthcare Michigan boasted … more

SEIU Fined Almost $200,000 Over Actions Tied To 2012 Ballot Proposal Campaign

Union suffers another loss related to dues skim, which took more than $34 million from home-based caregivers

… finally ended in early 2013, the SEIU took more than $34 million … announced this week that the SEIU will pay $199,000 in penalties … filing fees already paid, the SEIU will have paid more than $205,000 … campaign to shield the fact that SEIU was virtually the only entity … suspected all along that the SEIU was trying to hide its real … more

Who Is Behind The Minimum Wage Increase Drive?

A look at the Restaurant Opportunities Center

… is a labor union front? A: I mean it in the sense that it was union-founded and is increasingly working closely with the unions, particularly the SEIU (Service Employees International Union). In 2003, the New York Press reported that ROC's goals had evolved into efforts to organize the 99 percent … more

Health Care Workers Having Trouble Finding Union That Plays Fair

Union member: 'Thank God that Michigan is now a right-to-work state'

… questionable manner. The specific SEIU affiliate involved was SEIU Healthcare Michigan, the same … agreement. After leaving the SEIU, the health care workers in … officials who broke away from the SEIU.  Officials from the NUHW … Health Care Workers Get Out of SEIU Health Care Workers Vote to … more

U.S. Supreme Court Discusses Right-to-Work For All Public Employees

Union 'dues skim' case could mean the end of forced unionization of home-based caregivers, others

… Unionization Michigan Capitol Confidential of the SEIU Dues Skim Legal Foundation Seeks Return Of 'Dues Skim' Money SEIU Election Battle Hinges On Home-Based Caregivers … Reject Forced Unionization Scheme Infighting At The SEIU How the Forced Unionization of Day Care and Home … more

For State Employees, 2014 Means Finally Having the Freedom To Choose

Right-to-work now an option

… provide that these state workers can revoke payment or membership at any time. Last year, several unions including those affiliated with the UAW, SEIU, and AFCME sued the state claiming the new right-to-work law could not be applied to public sector employees in the state's civil service system. The … more

2013 In Review: Worker Freedom, Medicaid Expansion Took Center Stage

… eight educators who want to leave the MEA. The SEIU "Dues Skim" Finally Ends In April, more than 59,000 … not see any benefits from being in a union The SEIU went to great lengths to try and preserve the scheme … Stops Home Health Care Dues Skim Confirmed: The SEIU Dues Skim Finally Ends GOP Controlled Legislature … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Winter 2013 Edition

… Forward Court Ruling Supports State Law That Prohibits Discrimination of Non-Union Contractors New Bill Would Shed Light On Asset Forfeiture In Michigan SEIU Under Investigation Over Prop 4 Detroit Still Sending Tax Notices 15 Years After Company Closed U.S. Supreme Court Agrees To Look At Forced Unionization … more

The UFOs Have Landed and They Are Here to Represent You

What are the union front organizations known as 'worker centers'?

… attacks on company officers.  The most famous example of corporate campaign literature came to light in 2011. A Service Employee International Union, or SEIU, "Contract Campaign Manual" instructed workers on how to successfully put pressure on a corporation, saying "outside pressure can involve jeopardizing … more

Exemptions, Navigators and New Members

Big Labor's payback from Obamacare

… was quoted in the bestselling book, "Shadow Bosses," that "Obamacare is an SEIU and AFSCME membership 'net,' … designed to eventually capture 21 million … more as salesmen to lobby the public to support the new health care law. SEIU President Mary Kay Henry told the Reuters Summit in October: "We're running … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Fall 2013 Edition

… Where Their Money is Going’ MEA President Goes After Local Teachers’ Union President MSU English Professor Threatens Students in Anti-Republican Rant SEIU Under Investigation over Prop 4 ‘Dues Skim’ took $35 million from Medicaid recipients Loss of Funding Not To Blame For School District Failures State, … more

Courage, Conviction Help Take Down Forced Unionization Schemes

… really got people fired up," she said of the scrolling money calculator posted on the Michigan Capitol Confidential website that tallied the money the SEIU took from home-based caregivers during the seven years the scheme was active here.  She's now hoping to get "skim trackers" scrolling in Minnesota, … more

U.S. Supreme Court Agrees To Look At Forced Unionization

Illinois case could free home-based caregivers nationwide

… involved in Illinois are the SEIU and the American Federation … Gov. Jennifer Granholm, the SEIU and AFSCME used dummy employers … Capitol Confidential of the SEIU Dues Skim Legal Foundation … Return Of 'Dues Skim' Money SEIU Election Battle Hinges On Home-Based … Unionization Scheme Infighting At The SEIU How the Forced Unionization … more

Capitol Protesters Fined $500 Each For Trying To Storm Senate Chamber

Most of arrested right-to-work protesters had SEIU 'dues skim' connections

… ven people with ties to the SEIU Healthcare Michigan, the union … part of a plea agreement, the SEIU Healthcare Michigan staff members … incident has not been tied to SEIU Healthcare Michigan. One of … Joshua Kersting, the son of SEIU Healthcare Michigan President Marge Faville. The other six SEIU Healthcare Michigan staffers … more

SEIU Under Investigation over Prop 4

'Dues Skim' took $35 million from Medicaid recipients

… campaign and initially hide the SEIU’s involvement. After months … all of its money came from SEIU. Michigan Capitol Confidential's … articles on the groups the SEIU set up to continue the money … increase dues paying members, the SEIU targeted the Medicaid checks … force the caregivers into the SEIU. Key elements of the scheme … more

Right-to-Work Law Gives Workers Reason to Celebrate on Labor Day

Fast food protests highlight tired tactics of the past

… (apologies to McDonald’s) occurring in Detroit, Flint and select cities across the nation. Fast food workers were told by "community organizers" cloaked in SEIU purple that they're not being paid enough and that they are being treated unfairly. In a series of camera ready events, protesters briefly took to … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Summer 2013 Edition

… Requests to Hide Information Court Rules School Districts Cannot Use Public Resources to Withhold Union Dues Michigan Republicans Go Wobbly on Obamacare SEIU Lays Out Plan to Try and Continue ‘Dues Skim’ Oregon Study Suggests Michigan Medicaid Expansion Not Worth the Cost Films or Potholes? Film Incentives: … more

Government Entities Stymie FOIA Requests To Hide Information

Michigan Legislators pushing for change

… unpaid FOIA bills. ~~~~~ In the past few years, Michigan Capitol Confidential has used FOIA requests to break the following stories. Exposing the SEIU “dues skim,” where the Service Employees International Union created a scheme during the administration of former Gov. Jennifer Granholm to take more … more

Mystery Contribution Kept ‘Dues Skim’ Alive

Union gave dummy employee $12,000, but that money not specified on federal report

… not included on the report. SEIU Healthcare Michigan, an affiliate … item that specifies that the SEIU gave $12,000 to the Michigan … 2006 until March 31, 2013, the SEIU took more than $34 million … of a mail-in election, the SEIU said it got enough votes to … MQC3 received $12,000 from the SEIU in early 2012. Due to that … more

SEIU Tries to Continue Dues Scheme

Leaked document maps out 'dues skim' plan

… people would be bold enough to make that case. The SEIU Healthcare Michigan has maintained that the Michigan … after April 2013." It is significant that the SEIU calls the MQC3 the employer of those workers because … claims it never was the employer. So why does the SEIU maintain otherwise? Because if it admits the MQC3 … more

SEIU Lays Out Plan to Try and Continue 'Dues Skim'

Union blames 'right-wing forces' for end of scheme that locked 45K workers into the SEIU

… — back in. Only this time the SEIU Healthcare Michigan, an affiliate … Michigan Capitol Confidential, the SEIU Healthcare Michigan wants to … also would potentially give SEIU Healthcare Michigan President … first union officer election SEIU Healthcare Michigan had ever … to the $34 million that the SEIU improperly took," said Patrick … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Spring 2013 Edition

… Legislators Who Supported Workplace Freedom and Liberty Republican Senators Against Right-to-Work Republican House Members Who Voted Against Right-to-Work SEIU ‘Skim Tracker’ Stops Ticking House Rep Wants To Force Homeschool Parents To Report Attendance To The State Consumers Are Best Arbiters of the Market … more

Confirmed: The SEIU 'Dues Skim' Finally Ends

Home-based caregivers no longer losing money to union

… ended the contract with the SEIU and, in turn, stopped the dues … has become a reality." The SEIU, however, took $34,416,335.21 … was tracking the money the SEIU took.  In the meantime, the … increase dues-paying members, the SEIU targeted the Medicaid checks … force the caregivers into the SEIU. Key elements of the scheme … more

SEIU Election Legitimacy Questioned by Some Union Members

Union president's decision to allow mail-in votes to outgoing home-based caregivers upset some members

… potential legal action, the SEIU Healthcare Michigan election … Michigan were forced into the SEIU in 2005 after a mail-in election … ballot proposal pushed by the SEIU to lock the scheme into the … was significant because the SEIU Healthcare Michigan has about … that and Jolliffi isn't." The SEIU mail-in election in 2005 was … more

SEIU 'Skim Tracker' Stops Ticking

After seven years and more than $34 million taken from home-based caregivers, union contract officially ends

The SEIU "skim tracker" has finally stopped. The scrolling money ticker had … March 4. These are the checks the SEIU was taken money from. The checks mailed … ongoing. As a result of the scheme, the SEIU took more than $34 million, mostly … Capitol Confidential Coverage of the SEIU 'Dues Skim' Voters Reject Forced Unionization … more

SEIU 'Dues Skim' and U-M Research Assistant Bills Brought On Proposal 2

Issues brought to the forefront by the Mackinac Center cited by UAW President as reasons for ballot proposal

… Employees International Union (SEIU) targeted Michigan's share … or other institutions. The SEIU pulled off the dues skim by … home-based caregivers have had SEIU dues deducted from their Medicaid … unionization. That failed when the SEIU gave the dummy employer money … on April 9. That meant the SEIU “dues skim” eventually would … more

UAW President Bob King Admits Proposal 2 Was About Right-to-Work

… attempt to unionize graduate student research assistants at the University of Michigan and home-based caregivers who were forced into a union by the SEIU. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy filed lawsuits relating to those two instances. Nearly a year ago, when King announced the proposal, he described … more

UAW Prez: SEIU ‘Dues Skim’ More Important Than RTW

… proposed state constitutional amendment that would have effectively locked these caregivers into the Service Employees International Union for good. The SEIU and related unions appear to have spent $9 million on the skim, which has netted them over $34 million so far. The Mackinac Center is involved in legal … more

SEIU Election Battle Hinges On Home-Based Caregivers

Union member: 'I was born in the Mideast ... I've never seen an election that was messed up like this'

… tion Day is approaching for SEIU Healthcare Michigan, the union … caregivers. But even as the SEIU "dues-skim" nears an end, a … election is at issue. Current SEIU Healthcare Michigan President … in Muskegon, is no longer in SEIU Healthcare Michigan. Last year, … employees at the facility gave SEIU Healthcare Michigan the boot … more

SEIU 'Dues Skim' Finally Grinding To A Halt

… to the union. To date, the SEIU has taken more than $34 million … who were not beholden to the SEIU. Haveman pointed out that at … announced that the contract with SEIU Healthcare Michigan (the union … said. "The only questions the SEIU attorneys have brought up involve … The Legal Foundation says the SEIU engaged in unfair labor practices. … more

State Hired More Employees To Administer SEIU 'Dues Skim' Than Oversee Right-to-Work Law

'Where were they when the unions were running around creating fake employers so they could siphon off money?'

… The MQC3’s funding came from the state's Community Health Department. The unions benefited from those jobs and that agency because it allowed the SEIU to take more than $33.7 million from the Medicaid checks of the state's elderly and disabled. "All these people are now all of a sudden monitoring … more

Most of the Arrested Anti-Right-to-Work Protesters Have SEIU 'Dues Skim' Connections

Son of SEIU Healthcare Michigan president one of those facing charges

… Capitol are affiliated with the SEIU Healthcare Michigan union. … Joshua Kersting, is the son of SEIU Healthcare Michigan President … Kersting's current status at SEIU Healthcare Michigan is unclear. … Employees International Union (SEIU) affiliate a while back after … $62,131 yearly salary. The SEIU dues skim is the result of … more

The Public Employee Union Problem

… that going to Democrats or left-wing groups. The SEIU, AFL-CIO and United Steelworkers have all been … caregivers continued to be forced to pay money to the SEIU. The "dues skim" lead to a legislative fight, an attempted … employees." A few years ago, a union subsidiary of the SEIU pushed GOP Senators into coming up short on a vote … more

SEIU 'Dues Skim' Days Are Numbered

Work to get caregivers their money back continues

… the contract upon which the SEIU "Dues Skim" is based will end … payments will stop." In 2005, the SEIU perpetrated a forced unionization … union. The scheme has enriched SEIU coffers by more than $33 million. … was the dummy employer the SEIU used to facilitate its forced … entity was an extension of the SEIU that did the union's bidding. … more

The Intellectual Firepower Against Right-to-Work

Who's who on right-to-work

… on that organization’s website (go to page 15). Also, unions are heavily represented on EPI’s board of directors, including the presidents of the SEIU, AFSCME, the machinists union, the communications workers union; the food and commercial workers union; UAW President Bob King; AFL-CIO President Richard … more

The Union ‘Free-Rider Problem’ Myth in Right-to-Work Debate

The union is the one truly taking advantage of the collective bargaining arrangement

… majority of its funds on local representation. The UAW spent about 41 percent of its receipts on “representational activities.” The Michigan branch of the SEIU got most of its money by forcibly unionizing home caregivers the past few years and used it to try and lock that into the state Constitution. Search … more

The Human Side of Right-to-Work Legislation

These are real people who have been hurt by forced unionization

… family member who receives a Medicaid stipend. The SEIU has taken over $33 million from the elderly and … and Gov. Rick Snyder acted to end the scheme, the SEIU took legal action and then spent at least $6 million … previous experience as union members outside of the SEIU. If Michigan becomes a right-to-work state, no … more

Connecticut Now Struggling With Caregiver Unionization Efforts

SEIU loss in Michigan not stopping the union

… comes seven years after the SEIU used a mail-in election to … result of that scheme, the SEIU has taken nearly $33 million … caregivers’ Medicaid checks. The SEIU convinced home-based caregivers … coverage. In Michigan, the SEIU’s scheme took place covertly, … been backed heavily by the SEIU in his 2010 campaign. "The … more

Unions, Government Entities Team Up to Keep Information From Citizens

… grant money. Transparency laws are important. In just the few years we have used FOIA requests to break dozens of major news stories. Exposing the SEIU “dues skim,” where the union teamed up with the administration of former Gov. Jennifer Granholm to take more than $32 million from home-based caregivers … more

Families Forced Into SEIU Scheme Relieved and Thankful After Proposal 4 Defeat

Robert Haynes: 'It took ordinary people like us to bring attention to what was really happening.'

… Voters on Tuesday rejected the SEIU's plan to continue the scheme … it look like what they (the SEIU) wanted to do would be beneficial," … she thought what the union (SEIU) had been doing was ridiculous." … been around since 1981.  The SEIU's scheme took a percentage of … "Especially after they (the SEIU) had all of those ads on TV … more

An End Finally in Sight for the SEIU Dues Skim

Voters overwhelmingly reject the forced unionization scheme

… and disabled in Michigan. But the SEIU's scheme should now end in February … will soon stop." Since 2005, the SEIU has taken more than $32 million from … practice of being a rubber stamp for the SEIU. The primary impact of Snyder's action … addition to the governor replacing the SEIU-friendly board members, the Mackinac … more

All Five Constitutional Amendments Soundly Defeated

Emergency manager law repealed

… rubber stamp their agenda.” Proposal 4, a scheme that would have allowed the SEIU to continue taking $6 million a year from family members who provide home-based … registry and training for care providers was not the issue here, but the SEIU chose to attach them to the poison pill of forced unionization and also … more

Voters Reject Special Interest Power Plays

Proposals 2-6 soundly defeated

… double-digits. As was Proposal 4, the SEIU scheme that allowed the union to take … collective bargaining agreement between the SEIU and Michigan Quality Community Care Council expires in February. The SEIU has taken more than $32.7 million from … created non-profit organization, the SEIU reportedly spent more than $5 million … more

Media Resoundingly Rejects Prop 2, Prop 4

Only two weekly newspapers support either of the union-backed plans to alter the state constitution

… universally urged readers to vote "no" on Proposal 4. The SEIU has taken more than $32 million from the Medicaid … scheme when Jennifer Granholm was governor. The SEIU needs the amendment to pass to continue the scheme, … a "self-serving measure that enriches only the SEIU." Even some disability advocates are against the … more

The Price Tag on the Ballot Proposals

Constitutional changes would cost billions to Michigan taxpayers, citizens

… in disposable personal income in 2025, when the proposal is fully implemented. Proposal 4. Voting “yes” on Proposal 4 would constitutionalize the SEIU dues skim, costing home-based caregivers $6 million annually. Proposal 5 and Proposal 6 have uncertain price tags. As Michael LaFaive explains in … more

MICHIGAN CAPITOL CONFIDENTIAL

Fall 2012 Edition

… Already Exist Health Care Unionization Campaign Changes Its Story — Again Legal Foundation Seeks End to Forced Unionization of Home-Based Caregivers SEIU Dues Skim All About Politics Proposal 5: The 2/3 Tax Limitation Tax Limitation Amendment Will Greet Voters in November In the News Obama-Promoted … more

Commentary: Proposal 4 Excludes Caregivers From Getting State Employee Benefits

SEIU wants forced unionization locked into state constitution but only to take money from caregivers

… constitutional amendment that the SEIU and its followers wrote themselves: … only for the purpose of the SEIU taking money from them. They … state employees enjoy. The SEIU will not bargain on the workers’ … and simple. Since 2005, the SEIU has taken more than $32 million … eligible for unionization. The SEIU took the issue to federal court … more