By Noah Brasseur
Welcome back to another news column. This time, the theme is on a lot of policy reforms and reversals that’s happened across the globe.
In Michigan, the government set to repeal right-to-work.
Michigan’s legislature have been working to repeal what is known as a right-to-work law, which had been on the books since 2012.
These can be complex, but the most basic definition means that a worker cannot be required to join a union in their occupation. It would also mean a person who did not wish to join a union wouldn’t have to pay union dues if they opted out of joining.
Proponents of the repeal say that right-to-work has hurt wages over the years. In a 2011 paper, the Economic Policy Institute argued that passing such a law may effectively depress Michigan’s economy as worker’s income was reduced.
Opponents say the change will make the state less competitive for employers. Additionally, they say it removes the right to choose from the employee, as they will not be able to decide if they want to support a union or not.
In any case, the bill will most likely make its way to Gov. Whitmer’s desk, who has already said she will sign it.
Going abroad, France is in flames.
No, literally.
French president Emmanuel Macron recently invoked a little-used section of their constitution, named Article 49.3, that allows a law to bypass the National Assembly, which is roughly analogous to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Invoking the article means that the legislature can file a motion of no confidence, which would have forced the resignation of the Prime Minister and her cabinet.
Macron was unable to garner enough votes to pass his reform through the National Assembly, which he had gotten through the Senate. Crucially, he did have enough support to survive a no confidence vote.
The reform, which affected retirement laws, were extremely unpopular.
Garbage workers have gone on strike in protest, leaving garbage to pile several feet high in the streets of Paris. During the night, protestors have taken to lighting the garbage piles on fire.
Police have taken to tear gas, water cannons, and other measures in reply.
The protests seem to have no signs of slowing down.
Lastly, an update on Ukraine.
Poland recently became the first NATO member to commit to sending jets to Ukraine to support their on-going fight against Russia.
The country promised to sending MiG-29 fighter jets, a Cold War-era Soviet aircraft.
There is a possibility this will open the floodgates for a new phase of aid to Ukraine. Another NATO member, Slovakia, quickly joined in the decision, and is sending its own MiGs.
In total, both Poland and Slovakia are expected to send a dozen of their own stock each.
The joint move puts more pressure on the U.S. Ukraine has repeatedly asked for the Americans to supply the more modern F-16 fighter jet, a request that has been repeatedly denied.
So far, the U.S. has yet to bow to the pressure, recently saying that their choice against providing the jets has not changed, though they supported Poland and Slovakia’s decision.
This may not be the case for long – separate reports from both the U.S. and the U.K. have identified Ukrainian pilots in both country, potentially so they learn how to operate a higher-tech vehicle.
Before I head off, a small addition. March 20 marked two decades since the American invasion of Iraq. Take some time to learn about the war, as it has had significant impacts on the Middle East since.
