Thousands pack downtown Lansing to protest right-to-work bills that are about to go before the Michigan Capitol.

(Photo by J. SCOTT PARK | MLive Media Group)

LANSING, MI — Thousands of protesters convened on the Capitol this morning, waving signs, banging on buckets, singing and chanting against right-to-work legislation that's expected to be passed today.

By 10:30 a.m., the agency which manages the Capitol estimated more than 10,000 demonstrators had gathered outside. Michigan State Police limited access to the building around 10 a.m. because it had reached its capacity of roughly 2,000 people.

Demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to show their anger with legislation that did not exist a week ago. The effort would make it optional for workers in union shops to pay dues and fees. (see videos below)

“Our family wouldn’t be where it is today without the UAW,” said Susan Abraham of Delta Township, who donned a Mrs. Claus outfit to make a statement.

Several large inflatable animals stood out among the crowd, including four menacing-looking rats with red signs that read, “The Rat Pack!!” Each of the four rats also had a name: Gov. Rick Snyder, House Speaker Jase Bolger, Senate Majority Leader RandyRichardville and Dick DeVos.

Michigan right-to-work protest signs 15 Gallery: Michigan right-to-work protest signs

Bolger and Richardville joined the Republican governor in supporting the right-to-work legislation. Amway heir Dick DeVos also is supporting the movement.

Thousands of protesters filled the Capitol rotunda and chanted things like “Hey hey, ho, ho, right to work has got to go.”

Meanwhile, thousands more marched down Michigan Avenue toward the Capitol, including many from outside of Michigan.

There has been a report of one injury: A man was inadvertently knocked off his Segway by a police horse. His injury was not serious.

See all of MLive's breaking coverage of right to work in one digest

Union member Glenn Wooden said he was among about 75 people who took a bus from Baltimore to show their support for Michigan protesters.

National union leaders also came out for the event.

Jim Hoffa, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said right to work would divide the state.



"If you had any guts you'd put it on the ballot, let the people decide," he said.

Though they were far out-numbered by right-to-work opponents, there were supporters on hand as well. They had two large tents set up on the Capitol lawn.

“The country is watching Michigan,” said Scott Hagerstrom, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Michigan, in a statement. “This time we’re making headlines for the right reason - a pro-growth policy that can and will help to turn Michigan’s economy around.”

Reporter Jonathan Oosting contributed to this report.

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