Michigan Voters Considering Constitutional Right to Collective Bargaining

After a string of stinging defeats at the ballot box, labor leaders in Michigan are trying to turn the tide by establishing a state constitutional right to collective bargaining.  Next Tuesday, Michigan voters will go to the polls to decide Proposal 2, which would create a state constitutional amendment locking in union rights in the state.  Proposal 2 would:

• allow police officers and firefighters to negotiate safe staffing levels
• establish a constitutional right to form a union and bargain collectively
• invalidate any attempts by the state legislature to limit collective bargaining rights
• override state laws about employees hours and conditions of employment 
• mandate binding arbitration for some police groups

If passed, Proposal 2 would be the first of its kind in the country.  The campaign to pass Proposal 2 got a big boost earlier today, when President Clinton endorses the measure.  

Brown Vetoes AB 455

Governor Jerry Brown vetoed AB 455 which would have given recognized employee organizations input in the composition of personnel commissions.  In his veto message, the governor noted that "[w]hile intended to create more balanced commissions and address concerns relating to individual commissions, this measure imposes a a top down, one-size-fits-all solution on all merit and personal commissions statewide."