Michigan Collective Bargaining Initiative Will Be on Nov. Ballot

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Monday afternoon that a proposed November ballot question to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the state's constitution should be put before voters.

"The right to collectively bargain is fundamental in our country, however the Republican dominated legislature in Michigan doesn't believe that. They feel they have the authority to strip fundamental rights from workers, in order to bolster Corporate America," said staff representative Mike Schulte. "CWA members in Michigan have been on the front lines fighting to defend workers' rights. We have consistently had volunteers throughout the state, canvassing neighborhoods to educate voters on the amendment and encouraging voters to support working families by voting yes."

Opponents are expected to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.

It's been a wild ride for the ballot initiative.

Supporters collected nearly 700,000 signatures to put a proposal protecting collective bargaining on the ballot. The petition was approved by the state's Board of Canvassers in March.

But in July, Attorney General Bill Schuette — at the request of GOP Gov. Rick Snyder — issued an erroneous and politically-motivated opinion to take it off the ballot. Then, the Board of Canvassers deadlocked along party lines, blocking citizens from voting on the proposal in November. That's what sent the fight to the state's courts.