GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In what critics say is a case study in post-Right to Work Michigan, a United Auto Workers local is now facing NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) prosecution after a Grand Rapids-area GE Aviation worker was allegedly fired for refusing to bankroll union political activity.

According to a complaint issued by the NLRB, UAW Local 330 officials pushed for the termination of Richard Howard when he declined to sign a union membership and dues “checkoff” form that would authorize automatic payroll deductions.

MORE NEWS: Ferris State’s New Stadium Hall Offers Freshmen Front-Row Living This Fall

Howard, backed by attorneys from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, argues he objected to paying for union political and ideological spending – rights protected under the Supreme Court’s 1988 decision in Communications Workers of America v. Beck. Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling, even in states without Right to Work protections, employees cannot be forced to become full union members or required to bankroll a union’s political or ideological activities. Workers who object may only be compelled to pay the portion of dues directly related to collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance representation – often referred to as “chargeable expenses.”

Post-Right to Work fallout.

Michigan lawmakers repealed the state’s Right to Work law in 2023, allowing unions to once again require dues payments as a condition of employment. Critics warned that workers who didn’t want to fund union activity would have fewer protections. Howard’s case is Exhibit A in that argument.

The NLRB complaint alleges union officials failed to inform him of his Beck rights and unlawfully demanded full dues. It also names GE Aviation for allegedly complying with those demands.

What happens next?

The case will now head before an administrative law judge. The NLRB is seeking back pay for Howard, restored benefits, and reimbursement of any dues improperly collected.

For Michigan workers watching closely, the message is clear: the debate over union power didn’t end with the repeal of Right to Work. It just moved into the courtroom.