Michigan House Bill HB5982

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/24
• Refer: 9/26/24

Caption

Labor: collective bargaining; poster of collective bargaining rights; require certain employers to display at work sites and provide to employees. Amends 1939 PA 176 (MCL 423.1 - 423.30) by adding sec. 8a.

Impact

The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency concerning employee rights. By requiring employers to make information about collective bargaining readily accessible, HB5982 intends to empower employees and facilitate informed participation in labor relations. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will be responsible for creating the poster, ensuring it is available in multiple languages if requested by labor organizations or employers. The implementation of this bill is expected to improve compliance with national standards on employee rights and collective bargaining procedures.

Summary

House Bill 5982 aims to enhance employee awareness of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act by mandating specific obligations for employers in Michigan. It proposes the addition of section 8a to the existing 1939 PA 176, which relates to labor disputes and the powers of mediation and arbitration. The bill requires employers to display a poster at their work sites that outlines employees' collective bargaining rights. Moreover, this information must also be provided digitally to employees, reinforcing their right to organize and engage in lawful concerted activities.

Contention

While supporters of HB5982 may argue that increased visibility of collective bargaining rights strengthens the rights of employees, there is potential for opposition regarding the regulatory burden it places on employers. Concerns may arise about the financial implications for businesses, particularly small enterprises, as non-compliance can result in significant fines—$5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations. Critics may view these penalties as excessive and detrimental to business operations, prompting discussions about the balance between enforcing labor rights and supporting economic activity.