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 intimidation or coercion related to their membership in labor organizations. 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 the need for good faith bargaining while delineating prohibited subjects of negotiation, particularly in the context of public school employers. It also introduces requirements for exclusive bargaining representatives to have their financial expenditures verified by an independent examiner annually, ensuring transparency in the costs associated with collective bargaining. The bill aims to reinforce the rights of public employees while establishing clear guidelines for employer-employee relations in the public sector.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 423.209