10/30/12 - Next Tuesday, Michigan voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on a number of ballot measures, five of which ask them to amend the state constitution. Proposal 2 asks the voters to make collective bargaining a constitutionally protected right. The âProtect Our Jobsâ coalition of unions behind this measure argues that putting this right into the constitution is necessary in order to protect employeesâ rights to unionize and collectively bargain. According to Peter Berg, Professor of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University, this measure is largely seen as a preventative effort to protect Michigan labor against future legislative attempts to make Michigan a right to work state. Right-to-work legislation would give workers a right to work without having to belong to a union or pay union dues by eliminating union shops and agencies. However, Berg also points out that passing this measure could create a chilling effect on businesses and cause chaos among local townships and districts. Currently, the right of private employees to collectively bargain is governed by the National Labor Relations Act, whereas public employees not under Civil Service protection are covered by the Public Employment Relations Act. For additional details on all of the ballot proposals, you can log onto the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a non-political public affairs research organization. Weâve put that link below. (JK)
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