The state House on Thursday passed a package of bills to bring back educators’ voices to workplace decisions, restoring collective bargaining rights taken away under a GOP-controlled legislature and former Gov. Rick Snyder a dozen years ago.

This critically important package of bills passed along party lines and now moves to the Senate. Take a moment to thank House Democrats and then send a message to your senator to vote yes on all of these bills before summer break:

• House Bill 4354 restores subjects of bargaining, including performance evaluation standards; decisions on layoff, recall and teacher placement; discipline and discharge; and merit pay.
• House Bill 4820 modifies the Revised School Code to prevent bid-bump procedures and allow seniority as a tiebreaker in teacher placement, among other provisions.
• House Bill 4356 restores the right to bargain over the privatization of support staff.
• House Bill 4357 amends section 164h of the State School Aid Act, related to prohibited subjects of bargaining.
• House Bill 4044 repeals Public Act 54 of 2011, which currently punishes bargaining unit members by prohibiting step increases and insurance adjustments when a contract expires.
• House Bill 4233 repeals Public Act 53 of 2012 which prohibits school districts from collecting union dues via payroll deduction.

MEA President Paula Herbart said this week’s action by state representatives to restore respect for the education professions will make a difference in addressing Michigan’s educator shortage.

“Restoring fundamental workplace rights ensures local school employees’ voices are heard in their schools to continue improving the quality of education our kids receive,” Herbart said. “After all, educators’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions.”

MEA members and leaders have been pressing the Legislature to pass the bills for weeks, through in-person testimony, multi-union lobby days, letter writing and phone calls to lawmakers. Join in – any way you wish!

Next Tuesday, June 27, MEA and AFT Michigan are holding a Red For Ed Advocacy Day for a final push to restore collective bargaining rights to educators – RSVP now to join us.

Herbart added, “We look forward to the State Senate taking swift action next week to pass these bills and send them to Gov. Whitmer to be signed into law.”