The bill amends the 1947 Public Act 336, which governs strikes by public employees in Michigan. It introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding terms such as "public employee," "bargaining representative," and "lockout." Notably, the bill expands the definition of "public employee" to include graduate student research assistants and students participating in intercollegiate athletics at public universities, while removing previous language that excluded these groups from collective bargaining rights. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals employed by private organizations under contract with the state are not considered public employees.

The bill also modifies the language surrounding the expression of grievances by public employees, ensuring that their right to communicate concerns about employment conditions is protected, provided it does not interfere with their job performance. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the rights of certain public employees while maintaining the framework for managing labor disputes within public sectors.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 423.201