Rep. Mike Shirkey gives false information about so called “Right To Work” laws
During an interview with “Off The Record” Shirkey said no auto plants have been built in Michigan for the last decade.
In keeping them honest, We Are the People, blasted Shirkey for not knowing General Motors built its Delta Township plant 10 minutes away from his 65th House District. The plant employs nearly 4,000 workers and, according to UAW Local 602, there are 41 workers at that plant who live in Shirkey’s district.
The plant, which opened in 2006, generates $255.9 million in wages and pays $4.2 million in property taxes, according to General Motors.
Unlike GM, Shirkey’s manufacturing firm has not paid state business taxes in six years, according to Michigan Messenger. Shirkey promised the state he would create 12 jobs, but eventually laid off 6 workers after accepting millions from the federal stimulus program.
“Mr. Shirkey needs to get his facts straight,” said group spokesman Zack Pohl. “So-called Right to Work laws lead to lower wages for all workers and don’t create jobs… it’s time for extreme politicians like Shirkey to stop the power struggles and focus on creating good jobs that pay a fair wage.”
A recent report from the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute found that Right to Work laws, “do not boost job growth in states that adopt them, and that they lower wages and reduce benefits for both union and non-union workers.