The
protests began well before any gavels were swung as an estimated 2,500 union
members and others opposed to the Right to Work movement descended upon the
Capitol complex Thursday morning – and it wasn’t long before the protests
turned less than peaceful.
Following
the arrest of eight protestors for attempting to rush the Senate floor,
Michigan State Police closed the Capitol for more than five hours, citing
safety concerns. Organized labor sought and received relief through Court
injunction when Judge Joyce Draganchuk ordered the doors opened shortly after
4:30PM as the House began taking action on the legislation.
Further
reports allege that organizations supporting the Right to Work movement were forced
off of the East steps of the Capitol and their signs removed although proper
reservations had been made.
There
have been no reports of injuries related to Thursday’s protests.