Michaud says unionized workers get higher pay

PORTLAND, Maine—Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud is touting the benefits of unions, saying workers they represent earn higher wages and are more likely to have employer-financed health insurance.

The congressman joined the Democratic leaders of the Maine House and Senate at a State House news conference Thursday marking the release of a report that said a 5 percent increase in unionization rates would pump $77 million a year into the state's economy. The report was prepared by the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.

Speakers at the event urged Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to support a bill being pushed by organized labor that would make it easier for workers to form unions.

Michaud said that despite claims of opponents, the so-called "card check" bill would not eliminate secret ballot votes for workers who are deciding whether to unionize.