Unions Lose Challenge To Michigan Right-To-Work Law

LANSING (AP) - A judge has rejected a challenge from opponents of Michigan's right-to-work law who claimed people were illegally locked out of the Capitol when lawmakers debated the legislation in 2012.

Court of Claims Judge Deborah Servitto ruled in favor of the Legislature and dismissed the lawsuit Friday. She says the rights of the public were not impaired when the Capitol was temporarily closed by state police due to overcrowding.

Servitto says members of the public and news reporters were in the House and Senate. Neither chamber approved the bills while the Capitol was closed.

Workers can't be required to pay union dues or fees under the right-to-work law. Opponents wanted the law struck down, saying closing the Capitol violated Michigan's open meetings law.