LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Teachers’ unions in Michigan became the beneficiaries of greater rights after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law several bills. 

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“This legislation will build on our efforts to recruit and retain the talented educators that provide Michigan students with a phenomenal education,” Whitmer said in a statement. 

Certain bargaining topics would no longer be prohibited such as: public school teacher placement policy, teacher disciplinary policies, the role of evaluations and compensation, among many more. 

State Superintendent Michael Rice voiced his support for the bills which would reduce time for non-Michigan teachers to attain in-state credentials sooner. 

“We are delighted that the legislature has passed, and the governor has signed into law, these two regulatory relief initiatives recommended by MDE to help veteran educators from out of state become Michigan educators more quickly,” Rice said of the legislation. 

Others such as House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) were less enthusiastic about the legislation. 

“As they hand out favors and power to their union boss allies, Michigan Democrats are continuing to undermine public education and put the needs of students last,” Rep. Hall said about the new laws. “Democrats are dismantling accountability metrics that help parents and teachers keep kids on track. They’re choosing pork over students in their wasteful budget. And now they’re giving union bosses free rein to lord over the most important decisions at our schools. Teacher placement, performance evaluations, and communication with parents are all vital to creating an effective learning environment and fostering good working relationships with families. These calls shouldn’t be made by self-serving union bosses. They should be made by administrators and elected school boards who answer to parents and the local community.”

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According to Hall, unions would have a say in teacher evaluations, classroom observations, employee discipline, teacher placement, parental notification about ineffective teachers, contracts for transportation and other nonacademic services.  

One of the main bills in the package, House Bill 4233 has gained attention because it allows a public school employer to deduct union dues from an employee’s paycheck. 

Another important bill in the package, HB 4354, sponsored by Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) would expand bargaining opportunities for teacher unions.  

“Teachers in Michigan will now once again have a voice in determining important employment conditions that impact their jobs and their classrooms, which will lead to stronger schools and improved student outcomes,” Rep. Weiss said. 

Previously, the Governor overturned the Right to Work law by signing legislation in late March, which had previously allowed workers to opt out of unions and not financially support them.