Unions, police, prep for vote in Michigan

State police in Michigan said they expected up to 10,000 pro-union protesters in Lansing Tuesday, rallying to stop passage of right-to-work legislation. "We have heard reports of anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000. Either way, we'll be prepared for the max," said Michigan State Police Capt. Herold Love. Protesters began arriving as early as 5 a.m. carrying supplies to help them stay warm during a day that started with chilly 22-degree weather, The Detroit News reported. The battle lines for the day are crystal clear. The state's House and Senate passed three bills Thursday that would make Michigan the 24th state with a right-to-work law that allows companies to hire non-union workers even if their company has been unionized. On Tuesday, votes will be cast that will likely seal the deal, as Gov. Rick Synder has said he would sign the legislation that comes to his desk, the News reported. Unions fear that could undermine their political presence, their membership numbers and their clout. They also fear a drop in wages. Advocates of right-to-work say it gives employees and employers more freedom. On Monday, President Barack Obama threw his support behind the unions at a visit to Detroit Diesel in Redford Township. "We shouldn't be taking away your rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions," Obama said. "What they're really talking about is giving you the right to work for less money." "It's really not meant to take away the ability of unions to collectively bargain or organize," said wealthy businessman Ron Weiser, a GOP fundraiser. Rather, he said, it would make Michigan more welcoming to businesses "afraid to come here."