Michigan Democrats, unions decry new Civil Service rules

The Michigan Civil Service Commission on Wednesday passed new rules that prohibit some subjects of collective bargaining and take away specific provisions unions have negotiated for around bumping, overtime scheduling and transfers.

The new rules take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Unions and Democrats opposed the changes. Here's what they had to say after the rules passed:

Rep. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit “Today, the Michigan Civil Service Commission attacked the hardworking families of Michigan. I am appalled by this ruling — handed down by a panel of unelected officials — that strips thousands of employees across the state of Michigan to bargain on issues such as seniority, overtime pay and grievances. No one should lose their ability to file a grievance against their employer.

“I stand with the workers of this great state and demand that the Michigan Civil Service Commission protect the rights of the workers. Providing safe and secure working environments leads to satisfied employees that drive our economy forward. State of Michigan employees protect us, provide for us and improve our lives; we should do our part to protect their rights.”

Rep. Jewell Jones, D-Inkster “I am extremely disappointed in the Civil Service Commission’s action today to strip state employees of the right to bargain over such issues as overtime, seniority and more. An efficient and well-functioning state government depends on experienced, dedicated employees," Jones said.

"By its vote today, the Civil Service Commission is telling those employees that they are not worthy of certain bargaining rights despite the invaluable service they provide their neighbors, their community and their state. Many of those employees will likely feel more valued elsewhere and take their training and experience to another employer, leading to higher turnover and reduced quality of service. This was the wrong decision, and the citizens of Michigan are going to pay the price.”

Rep. Christine Greig, R-Farmington Hills “The Michigan Civil Service commissioners made a bad decision today. Rather than reassuring state of Michigan employees that their years of experience and knowledge are appreciated, they adopted rules that told them that experience and service to the state count for nothing, and that it’s more important for political appointees to undermine unions at every opportunity. The rules they voted on today will lead to higher turnover among employees, which will lead to higher costs for taxpayers. Workers with less experience will mean less customer service for Michigan residents. Today’s vote was a politically motivated action that only serves ideologues — not the people of Michigan.”

Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet “These commissioners are supposed to make state jobs attractive so that we can hire the best people for them, but instead, three unelected bureaucrats have voted to make state jobs tougher by depriving workers of their right to negotiate some work conditions and protections,” Dianda said.

“As a former state worker myself, I believe the Civil Service Commission is absolutely wrong in this vote, and it has done serious harm to state employees who work hard for all of us.”

Some supported the changes

The Michigan Freedom Fund applauded the changes.

“Michigan workers have rights, and today’s reforms are a critical step towards ensuring their union bosses respect them,” said Tony Daunt, Executive Director of the Michigan Freedom Fund.

“These changes will also streamline the way government agencies are operated, eliminate the confusion created by thousands of pages of varying rules and regulations that differ from one bargaining unit to another, and save taxpayer dollars each and every year.” And the Republican-led Senate passed a resolution this week in support of the Civil Service Commission changes.

But unions spoke strongly against them

Unions, who fought against the changes, expressed disappointment at their passage: - “All working people deserve the freedom to negotiate together for a fair return on their work,” said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO.

“But once again, Governor Snyder is rigging the rules of our state against working men and women like nurses, social workers, and bridge inspectors. These unfair new rules will make state government less efficient and less accountable by giving the governor more power to dictate working conditions, and by filling vital positions with his unskilled political cronies. That’s bad for families, bad for taxpayers, and bad for Michigan. Working families need leaders who will have our backs, and work together to build an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy.” - “Today’s decision injects politics into the employment of state workers. If there was any doubt the Civil Service Commission was acting in a partisan way it ended yesterday when Republican State Senators voted on a resolution to prod Commissioners in their actions today," said UAW President Dennis Williams.

The Commission bowed to political pressure and took the freedom from 35,000 state employees to negotiate together for efficient government with important job protections like overtime pay, seniority, and grievances.

These rigged rule changes which will go into effect in 2019, will give the governor more power to dictate working conditions by filling vital positions with unskilled political appointments instead of well-trained professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving Michiganders.”

- “This is another sad day for Michigan’s State employees and our economy. Governor Snyder’s Civil Service Commission, in a 3- 1 vote today, passed rule changes that are a direct attack on State employees’ rights and benefits,” said SEIU 517M Executive Director Liza Estlund Olson.

“But make no mistake, though these rules have passed, we are ready to fight. SEIU 517M members are ready to stand together and ensure their voice is heard on the job. Our members know that their contracts help to create a more efficient, accountable government and that taxpayers deserve quality, public services not the Governor’s friend and family plan.”

#Santana #Greig