Michigan Senate Bill SB0847

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/24
• Refer: 5/1/24

Caption

Labor: public service employment; right to work; restore. Amends secs. 9, 10 & 15 of 1947 PA 336 (MCL 423.209 et seq.).

Impact

If enacted, SB 847 would significantly influence the relationship between public employers and employees in Michigan. The amendments would establish clear protections for employees who opt not to support a union financially, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's Janus v. AFSCME decision, which prohibited mandatory union fees for public sector employees. This legislation could lead to greater financial pressure on labor organizations as they may lose funding from non-member employees, which could impact their ability to represent workers effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 847 aims to amend the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act by focusing on the rights of public employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining. The bill proposes changes to sections 9, 10, and 15 of the 1947 law, clarifying the rights of public employees to join or refrain from joining labor organizations as well as outlining the prohibitions against coercive practices by both public employers and labor organizations. One significant aspect of the bill emphasizes that public employees are not required to pay any dues or fees, thereby reinforcing their ability to choose whether to financially support a labor organization.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate among stakeholders. Proponents argue that it supports individual rights and freedom of choice for public employees regarding union membership and financial contributions. Critics, however, contend that it may weaken labor unions, diminish their bargaining power, and undermine workers' collective strength in obtaining favorable employment conditions. Moreover, there is concern that such legislation might exacerbate inequities in labor relations by enabling public employers to exploit the weakened position of unions in negotiations.