DETROIT, MI (AP)-- A Michigan law ending union representation of home health workers has had a significant impact on dues and membership.
Reports filed with the government by SEIU Healthcare Michigan show membership dropped to about 11,000 at the end of 2013 compared to 55,000 in 2012. Union dues fell 37 percent to $7.1 million.
A message seeking comment was left with the union Thursday.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed a 2012 law that says home health aides who help the needy are independent contractors and don't qualify for a union. The aides get state subsidies but don't receive benefits like a typical state worker.
A relationship between the union and workers began under Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat. Another deal involving home day-care workers who paid dues ended in 2011.