Binding Arbitration Repeal And Prevailing Wage Repeal Sparks Protests

The House Committee on Government Operations held a testimony-only hearing on legislation to the law providing for binding arbitration between municipalities and public safety workers (PA 312). The legislation, House Bills 4205 and 4206, is sponsored by Representative Joe Haveman (R-Holland).

Meanwhile, the legislation to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law, House Bill 4226 sponsored by Representative Bradford Jacobsen (R-Oxford), was the topic of a hearing before the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee.

Both proposals were met with significant protests on the Capitol lawn and within the House Office Building. A reported 500 people made their way to areas surrounding the committee room and overflow spaces in opposition to the prevailing wage repeal measures; and likewise, significant numbers of public safety officers rallied on and around the Capitol lawn to block the repeal of the binding arbitration law.

All signs seem to be pointing toward both measures passing the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in coming weeks; however, that may be as far as the initiatives go for awhile. Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) and Governor Rick Snyder have voiced their concerns in regard to the two measures and redirected focus to their respective priorities.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, February 25, 2011 10:39 AM
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