On July 26, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed into law 2023 PA 115, which amends Section 15 of the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act (PERA). Previously, Section 15 of PERA prohibited a labor union representing public employees from demanding to bargain over (1) decisions as to whether or not a public employer will enter into an intergovernmental agreement to consolidate one or more functions or services, (2) decisions about whether the public employer will jointly perform, or collaborate with other public employers to perform, a governmental function, and (3) the procedures for entering into such intergovernmental agreements. The new statute eliminates these prohibitions, which means that a municipal labor union may demand to bargain over these topics with the public employer. These changes to PERA will take effect 91 days after the adjournment of the 2023 Regular Session of the Michigan Legislature. If you have questions about municipal employers’ responsibilities under these new PERA amendments, our attorneys are here to help.
Category: Municipal Law