On completion , Michigan became the country 's 24th right - to - work state . William Bennett : Powerful unions can stifle private sector competition . Union workers and their Democratic allies realize that the transition from a `` closed shop '' state to a right-to-work state is the second in near fatal blows to Michigan 's entrenched union interests . He says with workers no longer obligated to pay wages , union strength increases . Bennett : Michigan 's new status might attract new private enterprise to Detroit .
On completion , Michigan became the country 's 24th right - to - work state . William Bennett : Powerful unions can stifle private sector competition . He says with workers no longer obligated to pay wages , union strength increases . Bennett : Michigan 's new status might attract new private enterprise to Detroit .