Michigan lawmakers gave final approval Tuesday to legislation that would sharply limit labor rights, passing the first of two measures over the objections of thousands of people packing the Capitol in protest, NBCNews.com reported.

By a 58-51 vote, the Republican-led House passed a bill that would ban workplace rules that make union membership a condition of employment for government workers. A second bill, covering private-sector workers, was expected to pass later in the day, and Gov. Rick Snyder said Tuesday that he would sign the measures.

The legislation would make Michigan – one of the most union-friendly states in the country – the 24th right-to-work state, making payment of union dues voluntary even if a union negotiates on a worker’s behalf.

Snyder told NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell that he was “pro-collective bargaining,” but he said right-to-work laws denied workers freedom of choice.

“I think it’s a good thing,” he said of the legislation. “I think it’s pro-worker.”