I have some questions about HB 5946.
In reviewing HB 5946, that was introduced on March 30, 2006, the provisions that are stricken on this bill appears to eliminate employment and/or union security (which is currently law under MCL 124.534 or 1967 (Ex Sess) PA 8) for employees of participating political subdivisions in the following areas:
- wages
- salaries
- hours
- working conditions
- sick leave
- health and welfare
- pension or retirement pay based on
seniority
Question 1) Is my understanding correct that IF this HB is approved as introduced that existing employees will have NO protection in the event their employer (political subdivision) participates in intergovernmental agreements?
Question 2) Since intergovernmental, interlocal, regionalization, mutual aid, collaboration and joint venture is used interchangeably not only by laymen but by many public officials, does this HB also blanket some, part of or all of interlocal, regionalization, mutual aid, collaboration and/or joint ventures of political subdivisions?
If yes, please advise as to the MCLA laws that will also be affected IF this HB is approved by the House and Senate.
Question 3) If the answer is yes to my question #1, how will this HB affect the current and/or ongoing contracts with unions?
Question 4) Is there additional legislation that exists that will afford the same employment provisions as MCL 124.534 or 1967 (Ex Sess) PA 8 had IF this HB is approved and the provisions are eliminated?
Question 5) How will this HB save tax payer dollars for the participating political subdivisions?
Question 6) What facts & figures were analyzed that prompted the introduction of this HB?
6a) Of the facts & figures analyzed, if any, was any data provided as to the labor costs as it relates to union versus non union labor?
6b) Of the facts & figures analyzed, if any, what data was analyzed that would support this HB as it relates to the tax revenue from housing city to neighboring city?
Employees of political subdivisions or lack thereof do impact the housing stock values and could impact the health and safety of our neighborhoods.
If two participating political subdivisions have substantial differences in housing values hence one area pays more taxes than another, how will equalization between said communities be handled and how will the community taxpayers receive equal services to equal taxes paid? and
Question 7) How will standards of employment practices be handled if political subdivision employees are hired, managed, terminated, etc. under an Intergovernmental Agreement(or any other term that is used interchangeably) which may remove ANY authority or control by the elected officials of participating subdivisions and by the voting citizens of said subdivisions?
Thank you in advance for prompt response,
Robin Lyson