DETROIT- Michigan’s controversial Right-to-Work law went into effect on Thursday with the backing of Governor Rick Snyder, who said it is a milestone that will bring jobs to Michigan.

Protestors hold a peaceful demonstration outside a UAW meeting on Thursday evening.

Protesters however expressed their dismay all over metro-Detroit. Dozens showed up to a morning rally outside the Detroit Athletic Club, where Snyder spoke at a “Pancakes & Politics” event. Protestors also joined outside a UAW hall meeting that evening, condeming the new law. 

The law, which lets workers choose not to pay to the unions that bargain on their behalf, applies to labor contracts that are extended or renewed — meaning many employees will not be affected until existing collective bargaining agreements end.

Talks of over turning the law are already underway, but it may be difficult to do so. The law cannot be overturned directly in a referendum, though unions could decide to back a 2014 ballot measure that would call for it to be overturned. 

Michigan becomes the 24th state to pass a Right-to-Work law. Economists who have studied the effects in other states say it is hard to divorce the policy from other other factors that may impact job growth and prosperity. And while anecdotal success stories are common, the overall body of evidence isn’t entirely conclusive as of yet.

Another study led by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce found that Right-to-Work states perform better on indicators such as population, income growth and job formation. 

Multiple lawsuits have been filed to strike down the law since its announcement last December. Legal challenges in neighboring Indiana, which passed a right-to-work law in 2012, have been unsuccessful.