LANSING – The Michigan Senate has passed right-to-work legislation for private sector workers on Thursday, much to the dismay of union activists who were present at the gallery. Tear gas was used to dispense protesters and Democrats walked out of the session Thursday night, saying that a court order to allow more protesters inside the Capitol building was ignored.

The measure passed in a 22-16 vote after hours of back and forth debates. Only four Republicans opposed the bill along with all 12 Democrats. 

The bill prohibits unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers, which opponents say would weaken organized labor’s ability to bargain for good wages. Meanwhile supporters of the bill argued that it would help boost jobs in Michigan’s sagging economy. Earlier in the day the house also approved a measure that prohibits private unions from requiring that nonunion employees pay fees.

Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who previously had said repeatedly that right-to-work was “not on my agenda,” told reporters Thursday he would sign the measures.