The Michigan AFL-CIO and three other labor unions filed suit in federal court today to challenge a controversial election law signed by Gov. Snyder in January that would prevent unions from collecting voluntary political contributions from members through paycheck deductions.

The law, also known as Senate Bill 571, “clearly violates the free speech rights of union members wishing to participate in Michigan elections,” according to statement released by the plaintiffs.

The language within the statute forbids employers to deduct money from their employees’ paychecks for deposit in a union’s political action committee, even if the employee approves of the deduction and the employer had agreed to PAC deductions in a labor contract.

At the same time, the legislation stayed true to a portion of its original intent, which streamlined the collection of political contributions for corporate PACs, including a path provided by payroll deductions.

“This law is unfair, unconstitutional, and downright un-American,” said Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “It makes it easier for corporations and their super PACs to spend big money on our elections while silencing the voices of working people. We’re asking the court to do the right thing and protect the First Amendment rights of Michigan’s hardworking union members, so they can make their voices heard in Michigan’s elections.”

Supporters of the law said it eliminates the burden placed on businesses to help collect union PAC money. Critics counter that computerized payroll systems make such deductions nearly cost-free for employers, and the deduction process is agreed upon by employers during collective bargaining.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include: the Michigan State AFL-CIO; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 58; the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 223; George Horuczi, an employee of DTE Energy, and a member and officer of UWUA Local 223; the Michigan State Utility Workers Council; and William D. Chadwick, Jr., an employee of Consumers Energy and a member of UWUA Local 338.

The legal action taken in U.S. District Court names Attorney General Bill Schuette and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson as defendants.

This marks the second time Senate Bill 571, hastily approved by the Legislature in a late-night December session, has faced a court challenge.

The law’s so-called 60-day “gag order,” limiting elected officials public comments in the months leading up to elections, was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in February. A subsequent attempt to amend that provision has passed the House and is pending in the Senate.