Policy Platform and Research

Michigan workers built this state, put the world on wheels, and gave rise to the American labor movement. We deserve the freedom to negotiate together for a fair return on our work so we can provide a better life for our families. But for decades, anti-worker politicians like Betsy DeVos, Rick Snyder, Donald Trump, and the corporate elites backing them have been attacking the fundamental freedoms that union workers have won for all of us. Now, for the first time in nearly 40 years, Michigan workers have a pro-worker majority fighting for us in Lansing. By standing together, we have been able to repeal dozens of worker-suppression laws, restore workers’ rights, and make history. And this is just the beginning.

Our policy platform outlines the top economic and legislative priorities of the Michigan AFL-CIO and our affiliates, which represent more than one million active and retired union members across Michigan. Our goal is to build power for working people in Lansing and communities all over the state. This platform will guide the state labor federation’s organizing, legislative advocacy, and electoral work. We will require all candidates seeking our endorsement to affirm their support for these priorities. Our platform will help shape our legislative scorecard, miaflcio.org/scorecard, which we’ll use to educate our members about their lawmakers’ voting records in Lansing.