The Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus has introduced legislation that would empower educators and other working Michiganders and restore many of the rights stripped from them over the years.

 Among other critical reforms, the 34-bill package would give school employees a voice in important decisions impacting their classrooms and jobs — including making teacher evaluations an allowable subject of bargaining, which was banned by Gov. Rick Snyder and the GOP Legislature a decade ago.

Known collectively as the “Putting Workers First” package, the legislation would also repeal the state’s prohibition on bargaining over the privatization of noninstructional jobs.

“We must do everything we can to support the teachers and school staff that support our students,” said MEA President Paula Herbart, who joined lawmakers and labor leaders at a recent press conference announcing the bills. “This legislative package gives our educators a strong voice in the workplace, and it can help create stronger learning environments for our students so they can achieve and succeed at their highest levels.”

The “Putting Workers First” package consists of House Bills 5805-5836, House Resolution 237 and House Joint Resolution O. Read a full list of the proposals here.

TAKE ACTION: Tell your state senator and representative it’s time to stand up for Michigan families and provide working people with the security and dignity they have earned. Urge them to support the “Putting Workers First” package.