The bill amends the 1947 Public Act 336, which governs the rights and responsibilities of public employees and their employers regarding labor organization and collective bargaining. Key changes include the insertion of new provisions that clarify the rights of public employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and refrain from such activities without coercion. Specifically, public employees are granted the right to organize and negotiate collectively, while also being protected from being compelled to join or financially support a labor organization. Violations of these rights can result in civil fines of up to $500, with collected fines directed to the general fund.

Additionally, the bill modifies the obligations of public employers and labor organizations, emphasizing that public employers cannot interfere with employees' rights or discriminate based on union membership. It also establishes that collective bargaining agreements must not require public employees to pay for independent examiner verifications, and it outlines the responsibilities of public school employers in managing their operations without infringing on collective bargaining rights. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in labor relations by requiring exclusive bargaining representatives to verify and publicly disclose their expenditures related to collective bargaining activities.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 423.209