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Obama criticizes Michigan right-to-work bills

President Barack Obama watches a worker during a visit to the heavy duty engines line at the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (Charles Dharapak / Associated Press)
President Barack Obama watches a worker during a visit to the heavy duty engines line at the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (Charles Dharapak / Associated Press)
Ben Feller Associated Press

REDFORD, Mich. (AP) — President Barack Obama says right-to-work legislation in Michigan is more about politics than economics. He is criticizing a measure that would prevent requiring non-union employees to financially support unions at their workplace.

Obama received loud applause at a Michigan engine plant when he said we shouldn’t be “taking away your rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions.”

The president says that the right-to-work bills are more about “giving you the right to work for less money.”

The Michigan House and Senate approved the legislation last week. Democrats have urged Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the measure that he has pledged to sign.

The Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to take final action on the bills as early as Tuesday.