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Union workers rally to 'mobilize the middle class'

Unions and activists from Michigan and Ohio organized the event to support and elect Democratic candidates.
Union workers rally to 'mobilize the middle class'

MONROE, MI (Toledo News Now) - Hundreds of people came to Dog Lady Island in Monroe for a rally to 'Mobilize the Middle Class' on Saturday.

Unions and activists from Michigan and Ohio organized the event to support and elect Democratic candidates.

One of them who came to fire up the crowd was Mark Schauer, Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

He hopes to unseat Republican Governor Rick Snyder in 2014.

"In Michigan, the Snyder economy is slowing as a result of tax increases on working families and cuts to education. These are folks motivated to change the direction of our state and I'm going to help them do it," said Mr. Schauer.

Workers' issues were also discussed at the rally.

Michigan became the 24th right-to-work state in the country last year, a law supported by Gov. Snyder.

"The attack on the American worker is just beyond belief. It's not fair," said Charlotte Olson, who attended the rally.

Many worry Ohio will be the next right-to-work state.

"It's a law to rob us of our civil and job rights. Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining by which unions have improved wages and working conditions for everyone," said UAW Local 14 President Ray Woods.

Booths lined the park, many reminding folks about the importance of voting in the upcoming mid-term election.

"It's not a right, it's not a privilege, it's an obligation. Thousands of people died in the country to vote," said Frank Grzywacki.

And for those at the rally, voting for the right candidate is a way to fight what they claim is an attack on the middle class.

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