Michigan bills weakening union power signed into law

Michigan governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, signed legislation which allows workers at union-represented employers to forego paying dues.

Thousands of people, many of them union workers, gathered outside the statehouse, chanting and holding signs as snow fell. At least three schools were closed as teachers traveled to Lansing to protest.

There are 23 states which have right-to-work laws, mostly in the South and western plains states, where union membership is relatively weak. In Michigan, 17.5 percent of the workforce is part of a union. Washington state ranks fourth in the nation for union membership rates, with 19 percent of the workers enrolled in a union. Nationwide, union membership stands at 11.8 percent.

For the complete CNN story, go here.