Michigan state employee unions are launching a campaign against the state’s governor, claiming he is a “flip-flopper” on the topics of bargaining and right-to-work legislation. Just two years ago, the governor pledged to collaborate with the unions collectively, which union representatives now say is a complete reversal of what is currently being put into practice. Workers within the coalition of unions are reporting that the new legislation is limiting their rights in the workplace.
It is reported that the Michigan Corrections Organization are currently engaged in an individual collective bargaining session. A press secretary for the state’s Department of Technology disagrees with the unions’ belief that the governor no longer supports a collective bargaining process, and continues to support that the state is making great strides in negotiating agreements with the workers.
In December, the governor signed into law right to work legislation, two years after stating that it wasn’t necessary for Michigan. The coalition is made up of five unions, representing over 35,000 workers. As a group, bargaining with the governor has proved impossible, at least according to reports.
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Source: Detroit News, “State employee unions, Snyder spar over contract talks”, Gary Heinlein, September 10, 2013