Police presence at "Right to Work" protest in Marquette

Police officers were posted at the Marquette office of Governor Rick Snyder as protesters rallied against the new “Right to Work” legislation.  Marquette was one of six planned protest sites across the state today.

Michigan State Police stand by outside the door of the Governor’s Marquette office as protesters line the hallway.

About a dozen protesters lined the hallway just outside the Governor’s Upper Peninsula office at the Marquette County Courthouse.  Another dozen protesters walked along Baraga Avenue along the sidewalk in front of the entrance to the Courthouse Annex.

A representative from the Governor’s office said police were standing by as a security measure.  No arrests have been made.

The ALF–CIO organized the silent protests against the “Right To Work” legislation signed Tuesday.  Protesters put red tape over their mouths as a visual display.  They say Governor Rick Snyder is silencing middle class workers.

A representative from Governor Snyder’s office told ABC 10 in a statement: “These new laws are pro–worker and pro–Michigan.  Workers deserve the right to decide for themselves whether union membership benefits them.  We also must make Michigan more inviting to job providers so our families can enjoy more and better jobs.  Introducing freedom–to–work in Michigan will contribute to our state’s economic comeback while preserving the roles of unions and collective bargaining.”

About a dozen protesters walk along Baraga Ave. near the entrance of the Marquette County Courthouse Annex.

Silent protests were also held in Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. The protesters also claim the new legislation will reduce wages for workers in the state by about $1,500.