LANSING - Today, the below statement was released on behalf of the following organizations: the Michigan AFL-CIO, AFT Michigan, IBEW Michigan State Conference, Michigan Nurses Association, Michigan Pipe Trades Association, UAW, Operating Engineers Local 324, Michigan Building Trades, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Amalgamated Transit Union Michigan Legislative Conference,  Michigan AFSCME Council 25, and LIUNA Michigan.

 

We, the undersigned organizations, are writing in support of educational programs being conducted by LEO regarding the rights of workers on the job. These programs are more important than ever during a global pandemic that has killed nearly 600,000 Americans in the past year. LEO has created outstanding educational programs for employers and employees over the past year to ensure that business owners and workers alike are aware of their rights and responsibilities. 

 

Recently, the Department has come under fire for an educational webinar that educates workers on their rights under the Public Employment Relations Act. Other programs and information made available during Workplace Rights Week instruct workers on various topics such as workplace safety, MIOSHA regulations, and workers compensation benefits. Some lawmakers have taken issue with the department instructing workers about the laws that protect their rights - especially those that protect the right to unionize. 

 

The National Labor Relations Act has been a federal law for nearly 85 years. The Michigan Public Employee Relations Act was passed over 50 years ago. Lawmakers should support the education of Michigan workers about any and all laws that were passed to protect them, whether they concern discrimination or unionizations. We support the work the Department has done with employers to help promote awareness of laws and regulations that cover them, so it is only fair that this educational work also be extended to employees.

 

We are proud to support the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity in its efforts to create educational programming for Michigan workers and employers so that they know their rights and responsibilities under state and federal law. We hope that the Michigan Legislature will also support these efforts.

 

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