LANSING, MI - Hundreds of union members and activists jammed inside the Michigan Capitol Wednesday afternoon in a protest against any potential right-to-work bills being introduced and passed by Republicans.

"This is what democracy looks like!" they chanted in unison in the Capitol rotunda as lawmakers could hear them as they met inside House and Senate chambers. United Auto Workers President Bob King was among those in the crowd.



Legislators later left for the day without voting on any right-to-work legislation.

Senate Democrats, though, worried about right-to-work action, invoked a procedural move to have all bills read in their entirety by the Senate clerk - a way to slow down the Senate's business.

That led Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, to impose a "call" of the Senate - booting staff from the floor and locking all senators inside the chamber so no one could leave.

Right-to-work protest at Michigan Capitol 14 Gallery: Right-to-work protest at Michigan Capitol

Gov. Rick Snyder says right to work is now “on the agenda” but has not publicly committed to any action on a specific proposal. By putting right to work on the agenda, though, both opponents and supporters of the issue expect a law could be passed before year's end.

Right to work protestors today also targeted the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids.

Democrats say they are prepared to fight right to work with every legal option available.

The push by some Republicans for right-to-work legislation has escalated since unions unsuccessfully pushed for Proposal 2 in the November election. Michigan voters rejected the measure that would have guaranteed collective bargaining rights in the state constitution and effectively stopped any right-to-work movement.

Related: Right to work: Job creator or wage reducer? Jury is out on policy's economic impact

Right-to-work laws generally prohibit requiring mandatory union dues for workers covered by collective bargaining agreements as a condition of employment. Unions worry that could hurt their clout and finances. But supporters of right to work say workers ought to have more control or freedom over whether they’re forced to pay union dues.

Email David Eggert at deggert1@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @David Eggert