By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Binding arbitration rights would be extended to county corrections officers, university and community college police officers, and police and firefighters employed by an authority under bills approved by the Michigan Senate.
The Senate passed House Bills 4438 and 4439 on Oct. 4. HB 4438 amends Public Act 312,
extending binding arbitration rights to thousands of additional officers and firefighters throughout the state.
Both bills are being sent back to the State House for a concurrence vote before the legislation is expected to reach the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
HB 4438 would amend Public Act 312 of 1969, which governs compulsory arbitration of labor disputes in police and fire departments, to include corrections officers employed by a county sheriff in a county jail, work camp, or other facility maintained by a county that houses adult prisoners. Police and firefighters employed by an institution of higher education, which includes community colleges, and those employed by any authority are also included in the bill.
House Bill 4439 would amend Public Act 312 of 1969 to replace all references of the term "chairman" with "chair” and is tie-barred to House Bill 4438.
HB 4438 would take effect 90 days after its enactment, a major win for bargaining groups throughout the state who will be provided equity through binding arbitration.
