State’s labor organizations challenge House Speaker’s refusal to send pro-worker bills to Governor Whitmer, urging the courts to enforce constitutional duties.
Michigan AFL-CIO, Labor Unions Take Legal Action Against Speaker Matt Hall
The Michigan labor movement has joined a lawsuit against House Speaker Matt Hall, filing an amicus brief in support of the Michigan Senate’s legal challenge. The lawsuit demands Hall transmit long-delayed pro-worker bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, accusing him of violating the Michigan Constitution by obstructing critical legislation.
Union Leaders Condemn Speaker Hall’s Inaction
Union leaders argue that Hall’s refusal to advance these bills directly harms working families, public employees, and law enforcement officers by delaying improvements in healthcare costs, retirement security, and debt collection reforms.
Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO, called Hall’s actions unconstitutional, stating, “This isn’t just a political stunt—it’s an attack on Michigan’s working people. These bills would lower healthcare costs for public employees, secure pensions for public safety professionals, and prevent predatory debt collection practices. Every day of delay is another day Michigan families suffer.”
Lawsuit Seeks Immediate Action on Key Worker Protections
The lawsuit, filed by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, demands that Hall immediately present the following bills, which passed both legislative chambers:
- House Bills 4177, 4665–4667, 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058
These bills address vital worker protections, including healthcare affordability, pension security, and reforms to debt collection practices.
GOP Flip-Flop On Corrections Officer Bills
Some of the stalled bills do address issues related to corrections officers, including staffing shortages, pension reform, and work-life balance, which were key concerns during the GOP campaign last year. Specifically, House Bills 4665–4667 focus on pension security and benefits for corrections officers, which align with Republican campaign promises to improve retention and working conditions in Michigan’s prisons.
Ray Scholtz, Executive Director of the Michigan Corrections Organization, emphasized that the lack of pension reform has contributed to officers leaving in record numbers, worsening already critical staffing shortages. These concerns were frequently cited in Republican campaign platforms, particularly around public safety and law enforcement support.
By stalling these bills, Speaker Matt Hall’s actions contradict campaign promises made by his party regarding support for law enforcement, corrections officers, and first responders.
Public Employees Face Rising Costs and Uncertainty
Union leaders emphasize that delaying these bills has serious consequences.
Gino Carbenia, Executive Director of AFSCME Michigan, stated, “Public employees in corrections, sanitation, transportation, and public health deserve affordable healthcare and secure retirements. Speaker Hall’s refusal to act is unacceptable.”
Ray Scholtz, Executive Director of the Michigan Corrections Organization, highlighted the dangers posed by the legislative stall: “Corrections officers are overworked, underpaid, and leaving the profession in record numbers due to staffing shortages. Pension reform is essential to retaining these officers. This obstruction cannot continue.”
Educators and Law Enforcement Demand Action
Educators and law enforcement officers are also demanding urgent action on these bills.
Terrence Martin, President of AFT Michigan, expressed frustration over rising healthcare costs: “Teachers and school staff are drowning under skyrocketing insurance rates. Speaker Hall’s obstruction of these reforms is a betrayal of Michigan’s educators.”
Similarly, corrections officers warn that stalled pension reforms will worsen the staffing crisis in Michigan’s prisons.
Labor Organizations Pledge Continued Legal Action
The Michigan AFL-CIO, along with its affiliated unions, including AFSCME Michigan, AFT Michigan, MEA, MNA, UAW, and SEIU Michigan, has vowed to continue legal action until Speaker Hall is compelled to comply with constitutional requirements.
Bieber reaffirmed this commitment, stating, “If Speaker Hall refuses to follow the law, we will make sure the courts force him to. Workers cannot afford these delays.”
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