LANSING, MI — More than a few dozen protesters crammed into the lobby of an office building in an attempt to meet with Gov. Rick Snyder and express their frustration over his support of a right-to-work law.

A relatively small group that included union members squeezed into the lobby of the George W. Romney Building, where Snyder’s office is located.

“We all came down here because we would like to appeal to the governor to not sign these very divisive bills, to use his words,” said Andy Potter, a Republican and state vice president of the Michigan Corrections Organization. “For the past couple years now he’s been talking about how divisive this is for Michigan families and for the workers themselves, and now he wants to all of a sudden jump on board with legislation that’s going to do nothing but weaken the unions’ leverage to be able to bargain and to be able to represent their members and to be able to keep a safe working environment and to keep a good working wage along with health care.”

Snyder press secretary Sara Wurfel met with the protesters and explained that the governor was busy and could not meet with them, but that his constituent services division would be available to take their comments.

The crowd left within a few minutes.

“This is democracy in action, the governor is a big believer in that, as long as people are respectful. This is actually their right, we welcome it” Wurfel said. “We knew that this was a divisive issue, that’s what the governor has said all along, however the topic is here upon us … For all of us it’s about trying to stay calm, and actually looking at the facts and just having a constructive dialogue and being able to talk and have a discussion about this.”

She said Snyder won’t always do the easy things but does what he feels is right.

“It’s a tough issue, it’s something that brings out passion from all sides, but again the governor felt like he needs to step up, show leadership and show why the freedom to work is an important thing for Michigan and it can actually be good for everyone,” she said.

Potter, a Republican and union member, said he's "disheartened" by the actions of Snyder and the Republican lawmakers who voted in favor of the bills on Thursday. He also was disappointed with the response from the Snyder administration on Friday afternoon.

“The response is the same response as we’ve been receiving, which has been a lame attempt to appease instead of coming down and having a good forthright conversation,” he said. “There’s been conversation for the last two years on right to work. Michigan citizens have spoken up. It’s not something that Michigan wants to deal with.”

Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Twitter: @MelissaDAnders.