In the short-term, it appears that the chance of New Jersey passing right to work legislation is not good.  Given Senate President Sweeney’s recent response to the same question, "this will never, ever happen in New Jersey as long as I am Senate President," coupled with the fact that both legislative chambers in New Jersey are controlled by Democrats, it does not seem likely that New Jersey will become a right to work state, at least not any time soon.  However, in light of Michigan’s recent passage of right to work legislation, we should never say never.

On Tuesday December 11, 2012, Michigan became the 24^th right to work state when it passed legislation prohibiting work place rules that make membership in a union a condition of employment.  Similar to right to work legislation in other states, the payment of union dues for workers in Michigan will be voluntary even though the union may negotiate on the workers behalf.  The law applies equally to public and non-public workers, with the exception of police and firefighters, who are not governed by the law.

Although union representation has been dwindling across states for many years now, it is still surprising to see Michigan, which many considered the birthplace of the labor union movement and a highly industrial state, pass right to work legislation.  While Michigan’s new right to work laws will not be effective until spring 2013, the spotlight has already shifted to other highly unionized states, such as New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, to see if they follow suit.

For now, lawmakers, employers, unions, employees and New Jerseyians should pay close attention to what impact Michigan’s new legislation will have on creating jobs and spurring economic growth.  While New Jersey may not join Michigan and the twenty-three other right to work states in the near future, Michigan may present a compelling argument for change should the legislation prove successful.