Hydra-Lock employees vote out UAW amid changes in state labor laws

Alyssa K. Hazelwood | Staff Attorney (2016-Present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

By Sky Industry News

Oct 29, 2024

Production and maintenance employees at Hydra-Lock Corp., a hydraulic tooling company in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, have voted to remove United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 155 union officials from their workplace. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conducted the vote after employee Keith Woody submitted a petition for an election to "decertify" the union. Woody received legal assistance from National Right to Work Foundation attorneys.

The NLRB is responsible for enforcing federal labor law, including overseeing elections related to union representation. Woody's petition had signatures from a majority of his colleagues, exceeding the threshold required under NLRB rules for a decertification vote.

Following Michigan legislators' repeal of the state's Right to Work protections in February 2023, UAW officials gained the power to enforce job conditions requiring employees like Woody and his coworkers to pay dues or fees as employment conditions. In contrast, Right to Work states allow voluntary union membership and financial support.

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The successful decertification means that Hydra-Lock employees are no longer obligated to pay union dues as a condition of employment and are free from UAW's monopoly representation.

In March 2023, Michigan legislators repealed Right to Work protections despite significant opposition among Michiganders, including those in union households. The repeal allowed unions more control over workers' dues payments despite past scandals involving UAW corruption.

Since the repeal took effect, many Michigan workers have sought help from National Right to Work Foundation attorneys regarding forced-dues demands by unions. Cases filed by Foundation attorneys on behalf of Michigan workers in 2024 have already surpassed those filed in all of 2023.

The repeal followed revelations of corruption within UAW leadership, with several officials jailed for embezzling millions in dues money. A federal monitor continues oversight of the Detroit-based union amid ongoing investigations into current UAW President Shawn Fain.

“Michigan’s repeal of Right to Work left many workers forced to fund union bosses that were ineffective, divisive, or outright corrupt," stated National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "Hydra-Lock employees are fighting against unwanted union hierarchies."

Mix encouraged Michigan workers needing assistance with their rights under new laws: “Michigan workers should not hesitate to contact National Right to Work Foundation attorneys for free assistance.”