LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled Legislature's top two leaders say they will push for passage of right-to-work legislation in the next few days.

The effort, which is law in nearly half the states, prohibits unions from requiring nonunion workers to pay dues to support their activities. Should it be approved in Michigan, it would give the movement potentially its strongest foothold yet in the Rust Belt region, where organized labor already has suffered several body blows.

Snyder says it's about freedom for workers and is not meant to harm unions or collective bargaining. He previously said it wasn't on his agenda but now says the time is right.

The legislation would cover both private and public sector workers, although an exception will be granted for police and firefighters.