LANSING, Mich. , Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued the following response to the news conference held earlier today by Gov. Snyder, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, Speaker of the House Jase Bolger and several Michigan workers calling for action on Freedom to Work legislation:

"We strongly agree with the Governor and legislative leaders that now is the time for action on Freedom to Work legislation," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Passage of this legislation will help create and retain jobs and improve our state's economic competitiveness."

"We support this legislation because it is good public policy that will protect all employees from being forced to join a union and pay dues against their will," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "It is important to understand that Freedom to Work legislation is allowed under federal law and does not prohibit a union's right to exist or prevent collective bargaining – it just gives every employee the ability to decide for themselves if joining and financially supporting a union is the right choice for them."  

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,400 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce